Doha: Al-Arab, a prominent Qatari newspaper, has criticized the Israeli occupation for stalling peace efforts even as hopes were renewed for a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip. The criticism follows the Islamic Resistance Movement’s (Hamas) acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with US support.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Arab editorialized that Israel’s reluctance to declare a clear stance indicates a strategy to entrench the status quo of siege, destruction, and death. The expansion of military operations, the paper argues, highlights that Israel prioritizes control over peace. The editorial praised Qatari mediation as a rational voice advocating for Palestinian rights and condemned Israel’s expansionist policies, including settlement construction and the displacement of Palestinians. Furthermore, Al-Arab warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe if negotiations do not progress, despite Qatar’s continuous efforts in collaboration with international parties, including the US.
The Peninsula, another Qatari newspaper, reported on a recent UN-backed food security assessment, revealing that over half a million Gazans are suffering from famine caused by Israeli policies. The newspaper cited estimates from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), predicting that by the end of September, over 640,000 people in Gaza will face catastrophic food insecurity. The Peninsula also highlighted Israel’s unlawful destruction and occupation plans for Gaza City, marking a new phase in the prolonged genocide against Palestinians in the region. During a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, emphasized the need for global action to end Israeli aggression and lift the blockade on Gaza.
In its editorial, Al-Raya daily criticized Israel’s provocative actions within Syrian territory, viewing them as attempts to expand its land occupation. The newspaper condemned Israel’s incursions into Syria, labeling them as violations of sovereignty and breaches of international law. Al-Raya called on the international community to take decisive action against Israel, emphasizing Qatar’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The editorial underscored that Israel’s continued aggression would only increase Arab and international opposition, leaving it isolated on the global stage.