Qatar has been at the forefront of regional and global efforts to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip, who have borne the brunt of Israel’s unrelenting bombing of the Palestinian territory since October 7. Qatar has worked to reduce the suffering of the Palestinians through its efforts to achieve ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors to deliver food and essential medical supplies to Gaza’s population trapped in the Israeli bombardment and ground offensive.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has visited a number of regional capitals to discuss and coordinate efforts for an immediate ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and other top Qatari officials and diplomats have also been engaged with their counterparts from around the world to address the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari yesterday said the efforts to reach a deal were in final stages and negotiations were at the closest point they had ever been. The spokesperson, however, stressed that top priority at the moment was to stop the war and deliver humanitarian aid. Qatar is keen to achieve an agreement which brings truce and relief for people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Qatar has previously successfully mediated in reaching an agreement for the evacuation of a group of foreigners from the Gaza Strip.
Qatar has also set up an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. It has sent 13 aircraft carrying 492 tonnes of relief and aid supplies to Al Arish in Egypt near the Gaza border, for onward delivery to the Palestinian territory.
According to Gaza health ministry, more than 14,000 people have been killed in the Israeli bombing campaign so far, including 5,840 children and 3,920 women. Another 33,000 people remain wounded.
In its offensive, Israel has bombed hospitals, schools, shelters and other civilian infrastructure with blatant disregard to international law and norms.
The BRICS Group yesterday also called for an immediate and permanent humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip. After a virtual summit, the BRICS leaders said reaching a permanent and fair solution to the crisis in the occupied territories through peaceful means had become an urgent necessity.
It is time Israel’s main backers realised the catastrophic human tragedy unfolding in Gaza and compel it to halt its campaign of destruction in Gaza.
