The tragedies unfolding in the Gaza Strip are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for a collective international response. In Gaza, nearly 63,800 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombing campaign ongoing since October 2023, with more than 160,000 injured. Among them are tens of thousands of children—at least 21,000 left permanently disabled, according to the United Nations. These are not mere statistics; they represent the suffering of innocent people, entire families torn apart, and a generation robbed of its future.
The humanitarian crisis has been compounded by severe restrictions on aid, with even basic mobility devices such as wheelchairs and prosthetics barred under “dual-use” classifications by occupation authorities. This deliberate deprivation has left thousands of vulnerable people unable to access even the most basic care, a situation that demands not only humanitarian intervention but also international accountability.
In southern Lebanon, the situation is equally alarming. The attack on UN peacekeepers by Israeli drones, described by UNIFIL as one of the most serious incidents since last year’s ceasefire, showed yet again Israel’s complete disregard for international law and norms. The occupation forces have also launched increased incursions and offensive in the Gaza City, a move which threatens to displace hundreds of thousands of Gaza City inhabitants. Israel has also not responded to a ceasefire proposal put forward by the mediators and agreed by Hamas a few weeks ago.
Amid this turmoil, Qatar has emerged as a steadfast advocate for peace and justice. Through patient diplomacy and tireless mediation, Doha has played a pivotal role in brokering ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian access, and working to secure the release of hostages and detainees. These efforts, rooted in a commitment to dialogue and humanitarian principles, have positioned Qatar as a trusted interlocutor capable of bridging divides.
The international community must rally behind these efforts, translating words of concern into tangible support. This means pressing for an immediate halt to indiscriminate attacks, ensuring unfettered humanitarian access, and holding violators of international law accountable.
The meetings of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for this month, are an appropriate opportunity to reaffirm the international stance on the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. Israel’s move to occupy Gaza City and its threats to annex the West Bank have been met with increasing international condemnation.
For the people of Gaza and for communities across the region, every day without decisive action deepens the human cost.
