Hillel Neuer at UN Slams Qatar: “If You Don’t Want Bombings, Don’t Harbor Terrorists”
In a pointed address at the UN, Hillel Neuer of UN Watch questioned the hypocrisy of nations condemning Israel's strike on Hamas leaders, directly challenging Qatar to explain why it harbors terrorists in its capital.
Hillel Neuer, the executive director of UN Watch, delivered a powerful and direct speech at the United Nations in Geneva, challenging the international condemnations of Israel's military strike against Hamas leaders in Doha. His speech was a response to nations including Iran, Libya, Algeria, and Venezuela, who had voiced strong criticism of Israel's operation.
Neuer's remarks specifically targeted Qatar, which he accused of hypocrisy in its role as both a mediator and a host for what he called "terrorists." In a series of rhetorical questions, he asked, "If you don’t want targeted bombings against terrorists in your capital, why do you harbour terrorists in your capital?" He went on to directly name Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Mashal, and Khalil al-Hayya, questioning why they were hosted "in luxury hotels, from where they planned their terror."
Neuer also questioned Qatar’s historical actions, asking why it backed Hamas's 2007 takeover of Gaza and why it has since funneled billions in funds that, have "fueled their terror machine and empowered their five wars against Israel." He also accused Qatar's state-owned news network, Al Jazeera, of serving as the "terror group’s non-stop propaganda arm." Neuer concluded his direct critique by stating that Qatar is a "state sponsor of terror," referencing the 2017 decision by other Gulf states to suspend ties.
During the delivery of his speech, Neuer was interrupted by a representative from Pakistan.
Neuer concluded his address by drawing a sharp contrast between the world's condemnation of Israel and its response to other similar military actions. He pointed to the U.S. killing of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, which was celebrated by the UN and France at the time. "We ask both: how is this different?" Neuer said. He also recalled past UN condemnations of Israel for actions like the capture of Nazi Adolf Eichmann and the Entebbe raid, concluding that in each case, "history vindicated Israel. And history shall remember the courage of those who acted and the disgrace of those who condemned."