Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urges an end to an escalated war that threatens regional stability.
The emir of Qatar has appealed to the international community to restrain Israel in its conflict with Hamas, emphasizing that Israeli forces should not have unconditional permission to kill in the besieged Gaza Strip.
In his opening speech at the Shura council’s annual session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also described the ongoing war as a dangerous escalation that poses a threat to the region.
“We declare that enough is enough,” he stated. “Granting unconditional permission and freedom to Israel for killing is unacceptable, and it is also unacceptable to overlook the reality of occupation, siege, and settlement.”
The emir further condemned the violence against innocent civilians on both sides, while criticizing the international community for displaying “double standards” and treating Palestinian children’s lives as insignificant.
Sheikh Tamim’s recent remarks on the conflict follow Israel’s devastating campaign of air raids on Gaza, triggered by a surprise attack from Hamas fighters in southern Israel over two weeks ago.
According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attack. Palestinian officials report that Israel has since relentlessly bombarded Gaza, resulting in the death of over 5,000 people, 40 percent of whom are children. Israel has also imposed a total siege on the territory, cutting off food, water, and fuel supplies.
“In our time, it is inexcusable to use the denial of water, medicine, and food as weapons against an entire population,” commented the Qatari emir, as he called for an end to this war that “has exceeded all limits”.
On Monday, Hamas announced the release of two hostages from Israel into Gaza due to “compelling humanitarian” reasons facilitated by Qatar and Egypt.
