Qatar has been at the forefront of global efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people who have been subjected to a brutal military campaign by Israel over the past 12 months. The Israeli military offensive has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians both in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023.
While Qatar has led the efforts for ceasefire and de-escalation, it has also been active in delivering and facilitating humanitarian assistance. The state has also stood by Lebanon as it navigates one of the worst economic crises and is now subjected to deadly Israeli strikes. On the directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has sent its International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) to Lebanon to provide urgent humanitarian aid and relief.
H H the Amir directed last week to send urgent medical and relief aid to Lebanon to help address the displacement crisis resulting from the recent developments. This aid comes within the framework of Qatar’s supportive stance towards Lebanon and its constant support for the fraternal Lebanese people.
Qatar Fund for Development last month announced a financial grant of $15m to support the Lebanese Army, allocated to secure fuel for three months. This initiative, QFFD said, reaffirms the fraternal relations between Qatar and Lebanon and reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability and its national institutions. The fund had provided similar assistance last year, where the Lebanese Army was supplied with fuel for six months at a value of $30m.
At the International Conference on Assistance and Support to Beirut and the Lebanese People in Paris in 2020, H H the Amir had announced $50m to help and support Beirut and the Lebanese people following the Beirut port explosion.
In Palestine, Qatar has not only worked to achieve ceasefire and permanent peace based on two-state solution, it has been a leading advocate of humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees and civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip, who are trapped under the Israeli offensive with entire neighbourhoods reduced to ruins in 12 months of Israeli bombing. The state has been a key partner of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Addressing a ministerial meeting on the sidelines United Nations General Assembly last month, Minister of State for International Cooperation H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater announced Qatar’s further $100m pledge as part of its response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, including backing UNRWA.
