Qatar has once again firmly asserted its strong support to the Palestinians, who are passing through one of the worst eras of struggle, hunger, lack of infrastructure facilities, basic health, education services and economic hardship. Struggle and hardship as a result of the punishing occupation of their territory by the Zionists are nothing new for the Palestinians, but this time around more pressure is being piled on them by the coronavirus pandemic and the ever increasing annexation and torture by the Israelis.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a meeting with Palestinian President H E Mahmoud Abbas in Doha, reaffirmed Qatar’s firm position regarding the Palestinian cause and its support for the brotherly Palestinian people in establishing their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the decisions of international legitimacy, the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The ordeal of the Palestinians and their clamour for freedom and a decent living have often fell in deaf ears of world leaders, who continuously turn a blind eye towards their demand for a legitimate state where they can live with dignity, away from the scrutinising eyes of the occupation forces. It is true that the world has spent a lot of time, money and efforts in discussing the Palestinian issue at numerous regional and international fora, but the fact is that nothing tangible has happened as a result of these discourses and the ground realities remain the same for the last several decades since 1967.
The occupation force is not just bothered about the numerous UN charters and resolutions. But what fuels the crisis is that there is no mechanism to make Israel be bothered about these international decisions and force them to fall in line and do their duty. Big powers of the world are quick to impose sanctions and restrictions on some countries on frivolous charges, but when it comes to Israel they find umpteen justifications.
When it comes to the Palestinian issue, Qatar always stood apart by vociferously arguing for the rights of those people and following it up with different measures to alleviate their sufferings.
In March this year, Qatar pledged $150m over a period of six months for the relief of the Palestinians and to support the United Nations humanitarian programmes in Gaza Strip, especially to see the people through the pandemic. Qatar is sincere with its support to the Palestinian cause and it is not limited to politics, but extends to providing health, education and infrastructure facilities and facilitating the Palestinian reconciliation process.
