In a swift response to rising tensions in the Middle East, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has scheduled an urgent debate in Geneva on Tuesday to address Israel's September 9 airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. This special session is the UNHRC's 10th urgent debate since its launch in 2006.
Hamas reported that five of its members were killed in the raid, though top leadership escaped unharmed. The strike has prompted U.S.-aligned Gulf Arab states to close ranks, straining relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which normalized ties in 2020.
The debate request came from Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, and from Kuwait representing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Arab and Islamic leaders meeting in Doha warned that such 'hostile acts' threaten coexistence and ongoing normalization efforts.
Why does this matter? An urgent debate is like hitting the pause button on regular sessions to tackle pressing human rights issues. As the world watches, this Geneva session will shine a spotlight on shifting Gulf alliances and the broader push for regional peace.
Stay tuned for updates as Geneva gears up for this high-stakes debate! 🌍🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
