Qatar's Emir Condemns Israeli Aggression in Gaza
In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza, labeling it as "the most barbaric and ferocious" act of violence. He characterized the global community's failure to intervene as a "major scandal," emphasizing that the brutal conflict has severely undermined international credibility.
Sheikh Tamim highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where civilians, including adults, children, and women, are suffering immensely. He stated, "The condemnations and reports have been exhausted, and all that remains is the crime and its victims in Gaza." He firmly asserted that the Palestinian cause is resilient against attempts at marginalization, stating that it will persist until either the occupation ends or the Palestinian people cease to exist.
Calls for Ceasefire and Mediation Efforts
The Emir reiterated Qatar's commitment to mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. He noted that Qatar had previously brokered a humanitarian truce that led to the release of 240 hostages. Sheikh Tamim expressed that Qatar will continue to collaborate with international partners to reach a permanent ceasefire and ensure the release of all prisoners, advocating for a two-state solution as a viable path forward for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In addition to addressing the situation in Gaza, Sheikh Tamim condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon, describing the bombing of communication infrastructure without proper targeting as a "major crime." He urged an immediate halt to the violence in both Gaza and Lebanon, asserting that Israel must recognize that war does not lead to peace.
Broader Global Conflicts
The Emir also touched upon the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the significant humanitarian suffering it has caused. He called for a peaceful resolution to this crisis, reflecting Qatar's broader commitment to international peace and stability. Furthermore, Sheikh Tamim urged all parties in Sudan to cease hostilities and expressed Qatar's support for regional and international efforts to end that conflict.
In conclusion, Sheikh Tamim's speech underscored the urgent need for global action to address humanitarian crises, particularly in Palestine, while reaffirming Qatar's role as a mediator in seeking peaceful resolutions.