On Tuesday, Qatar’s ruling emir urged the international community not to grant Israel “unrestricted authorization to kill” Palestinians in its battle against Hamas, in what he called a dangerous escalation that endangers global security.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in an annual speech to open the Gulf Arab state’s advisory Shura council, “We say enough. Israel shouldn’t be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorization to kill.”
Israel’s air strikes on Gaza was over 5,000 in two weeks in response to Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which over 1,400 people died and militants captured more than 200 hostages, the Palestinian health ministry said.
Qatar, since then, has had an open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas which has brought about the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women 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 said, his first public comments since Qatar began its most recent efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas.
“We do not accept double standards and acting like the lives of Palestinian children aren’t accounted for, as if they don’t have faces or names.”
