The conflict between Israel and Gaza has now stretched into its sixth month, resulting in a devastating toll of around 31,000 lives lost. Shockingly, more than 70% of these casualties are comprised of children, women, and the elderly. Despite concerted mediation efforts, spearheaded notably by the State of Qatar and Egypt, Israel has consistently obstructed any attempts to halt its aggressive actions and address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Tragically, since the onset of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, 9,000 Palestinian females have been among the casualties, contributing to the staggering total of 30,717 martyrs since the conflict’s eruption on October 7. Furthermore, a staggering 75% of the 72,156 individuals wounded in the conflict are women, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population. Additionally, an alarming 70% of the 7,000 individuals reported missing are women and children according to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Efforts by mediators to broker a ceasefire before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan have been consistently stymied by Israeli intransigence, prolonging the suffering and loss endured by the people of Gaza.
Mediators persist in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, striving to halt aggression, repatriate the displaced, and deliver vital aid. Despite this, Israel remains unresponsive to ceasefire overtures, impeding the return of displaced peoples to northern Gaza, hindering humanitarian aid access, and obstructing Gaza’s reconstruction post-conflict. This situation arises due to the absence of significant pressure on Israel from its key backers, including close allies and supporters.
Israel’s refusal to cease its offensive, withdraw forces, and permit unimpeded aid entry and displaced person returns is compounded by its endorsement of 3500 new settlement units in the West Bank. Qatar vehemently condemns this move as a flagrant breach of international law and legitimacy, notably UN Security Council Resolution No. 2334, and as a grave infringement on Palestinian rights.
The expansion of settlements and efforts to Judaize significant West Bank territories, including Jerusalem, undermine global endeavors towards a two-state solution and impede peace process resumption based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative (API). Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the international community to fulfill its obligations, including enforcing Security Council resolutions and compelling Israel to cease its settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm position in support of the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
