Geneva, September 16 (QNA) - In a powerful show of support for Qatar, 78 countries delivered a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today, denouncing Israel's recent military assault on Doha.

The statement was read by South Africa's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, during an urgent debate held as part of the Council's 60th session, following Israel’s airstrikes on Doha on September 9.

The joint declaration expressed unwavering support for Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while strongly condemning the attack, calling it a blatant use of force against a peaceful nation committed to mediation and diplomacy.

The statement affirmed full support for the rule of law, human dignity, peace, and security, based on shared values of freedom, equality, and respect for international law.

The countries expressed deep concern over the unprecedented targeting of a neutral state engaged in peace mediation, warning that such acts pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

Attacks on mediating nations do not only set a dangerous precedent that could discourage neutral actors from contributing to conflict resolution, but also obstruct peaceful settlement efforts and undermine the promotion and protection of human rights, the statement read.

The signatories aligned themselves with previous condemnations issued by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, and other international actors rejecting the Israeli strikes on Qatar.

The 78 countries further condemned all forms of aggression, coercion, or threats against neutral or mediating states engaged in good offices between conflicting parties. They reaffirmed that such actions constitute violations of international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The statement also underlined the crucial role that neutral mediation plays in facilitating dialogue and sustainable peace. It praised Qatar’s ongoing commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its contributions to international mediation efforts.

The signatories called on the Human Rights Council, the UN Secretary-General, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor and report on attacks against mediating states, develop recommendations to enhance their protection under international law and to reinforce support for mediation as a key tool for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and human rights protection. (QNA)