Qatar’s ruling emir issued a plea on Tuesday to the international community, urging restraint in granting Israel “unrestricted authorization to kill” Palestinians in its conflict with Hamas. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani called this escalation dangerous and a threat to global security.
In his annual speech to open the advisory Shura council of the Gulf Arab state, the emir expressed his concerns and called for a shift in approach. This speech marked his first public comment since Qatar initiated mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 5,000 within two weeks of Israeli airstrikes as a response to Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7. This attack, orchestrated by the Islamist militant group, resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people and the capture of more than 200 hostages.
During this period, Qatar, a wealthy gas-producing nation, engaged in open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas. This diplomatic effort resulted in the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women, as announced on Monday.
“We call for a serious regional and international stance against this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, which threatens the security of the region and the world,” Sheikh Tamim emphasized.
He added, “We do not accept double standards and acting as if the lives of Palestinian children are not to be accounted for, as if they have no faces or names.”
