DOHA: In a forceful and emotionally charged address to the Shura Council on Tuesday, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani accused Israel of repeatedly violating the fragile Gaza ceasefire, which has been in place for just over eleven days. The Qatari ruler, whose country has been playing a central mediating role in efforts to maintain the truce and negotiate a longer-term peace arrangement, said the latest Israeli airstrikes on Hamas positions have once again put thousands of Palestinian lives at risk and undermined the credibility of international peace efforts.
We reiterate our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life and the continued violation of the ceasefire, Sheikh Tamim declared, as members of the Shura Council listened in solemn silence. His remarks come amid reports of renewed Israeli bombardment in several parts of Gaza, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction, even as humanitarian conditions in the enclave continue to deteriorate.
Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, has been leading diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after months of conflict that left tens of thousands dead and displaced. However, Sheikh Tamim warned that Israel’s disregard for the truce terms and for civilian suffering threatens to reignite the violence and further destabilize the region. He emphasized that any sustainable peace must include “an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza, guarantees of humanitarian access, and a credible path toward a two-state solution.”
The Emir also took aim at the international community’s silence, saying that continued inaction in the face of Israeli violations encourages impunity and deepens despair among Palestinians. He urged world powers to assume their moral and legal responsibilities, stressing that peace cannot be achieved by force, nor can security be sustained through occupation and siege.
Diplomatic sources in Doha confirmed that Qatar remains in constant communication with both Israeli and Hamas representatives through indirect channels, seeking to restore calm and push forward discussions on prisoner exchanges, aid corridors, and long-term reconstruction plans. Analysts believe Sheikh Tamim’s strong statement signals growing frustration in Doha over Israel’s lack of compliance with ceasefire terms, despite Qatar’s persistent mediation and humanitarian contributions to Gaza.
As the humanitarian situation worsens, Sheikh Tamim reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, pledging continued humanitarian aid and political engagement to secure lasting peace and dignity for the people of Gaza.