The latest group of Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip arrived in Doha yesterday as part of an initiative spearheaded by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The initiative aims to provide medical treatment to 1,500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, several Palestinian individuals holding Qatari identification were safely evacuated from the Gaza, where they had been trapped due to the conflict.
Upon their arrival in Doha, the 23rd batch of Palestinians was warmly received by the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater. This humanitarian effort reflects Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting and alleviating the suffering of Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip amidst dire humanitarian conditions.
Earlier this year, Qatar’s mediation efforts facilitated an agreement allowing the delivery of medicines to captives in Gaza and aid to residents in the besieged Palestinian territory. This agreement paved the way for humanitarian aid distribution to the most affected areas of Gaza in exchange for medical supplies for captives held by Hamas.
Qatar has repeatedly served as a mediator in conflicts across the region and beyond, offering itself as a bridge of communication between historic, bitter adversaries like the US and Iran, the US and Taliban, Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Hamas. Qatar has sought to boost this role within the framework of its foreign policy to build peace and stability.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, Qatar has maintained its role in providing humanitarian assistance while actively engaging in mediation efforts to end the aggression. Qatari aircraft have transported hundreds of tonnes of aid, including food supplies, as part of Qatar’s comprehensive support for the Palestinian people during these challenging times.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported a staggering toll of casualties due to the ongoing aggression, with more than 34,356 fatalities and 77,368 injuries. The ministry also highlighted five recent massacres perpetrated by Israeli occupation forces, resulting in the deaths of tens of Palestinians and injuries to many others. Many victims remain trapped under rubble and on roads, inaccessible to paramedics and civil defence personnel.
The situation further deteriorated as Israeli fighter jets bombed a house near a refugee camp, claiming the lives of several civilians and injuring others. Such attacks continue unabated, leading to widespread civilian casualties and prompting global demonstrations in solidarity with the innocent civilians of Gaza, urging an end to the aggression.
