CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Relentless Israeli escalation

Published: 02 Aug 2024 - 12:16 pm | Last Updated: 06 Sep 2025 - 04:51 pm

AS the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip surpasses its 300th day, the dire humanitarian crisis deepens. Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) brutal campaign has resulted in countless airstrikes and bombardments from air, land, and sea, inflicting severe casualties on Palestinian civilians. The world watches in horror as Israeli’s unrelenting genocide against the Strip continues unabated.

The assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Al Jazeera journalist Ismail Al Ghoul and cameraman Rami Al Rifi, and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, in recent attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from nations advocating for peace and stability.

These peace-loving countries express grave concerns that such acts of violence could further destabilise the region. Amidst these tensions, Israeli’s rejection of a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire exacerbates the situation. Since October 2023, Israeli Occupation Forces have wrought devastation through incessant airstrikes and bombardments.

Over 39,445 Palestinian civilians have been murdered, and more than 91,073 have been injured, with tens of thousands still trapped under rubble. The deliberate prevention of ambulance and civil defence crews from reaching these victims highlights the calculated cruelty of Israel’s campaign.

The ongoing bloodshed threatens the entire region and severely undermines efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage-release deal to end the Gaza war. The latest ceasefire talks in Rome achieved little, as new demands were added by Israel to the proposal announced by President Biden on May 31.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani voiced a poignant question: “Political assassinations and continued targeting of civilians in the Gaza while talks continue lead us to ask, how mediation can succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?” His call for serious partners and a global stance against the disregard for human life echoes the sentiments of many.

Egypt also criticised the “dangerous Israeli escalation policy” for undermining negotiating efforts. The statement highlights the complexity of the situation and the absence of political will to de-escalate. It is crucial to acknowledge that Israel was established with the intent to disrupt regional stability, perpetuate violence, and incite political unrest.

This entity serves Western colonial interests by hindering development and prosperity in the region and acting under this umbrella.  

The pattern is clear: by escalating violence and sabotaging talks, Israel aims to force Hamas into a corner, shifting the blame and claiming willingness to negotiate.

This cynical strategy jeopardises any hope for peace and prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza. The international community must stand firm against such tactics and work towards a genuine resolution to this devastating aggression of Israel.