The emir of Qatar has criticized the lack of response to the conflict in Gaza, describing it as ‘disgraceful’

During the recent Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Doha, Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, strongly criticized the international community’s failure to act on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. He expressed his dismay at the ongoing violence, which has resulted in the death of innocent civilians, including women and children.

The conflict escalated after Hamas, on October 7, launched a major attack, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, as reported by Israel. The subsequent Israeli response has led to nearly 15,900 deaths in Gaza, with about 70% being women and children, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.

Qatar played a significant role in brokering a seven-day ceasefire, during which Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid was provided. However, this truce ended on Friday. Sheikh Tamim emphasized Qatar’s continued efforts to renew the truce, but also stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire.

He urged for an international investigation into the actions of Israel and called on the Security Council to intervene and halt the conflict, pushing for credible negotiations for a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which has seen some members like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain normalize relations with Israel recently, has put a pause on diplomatic progress due to the conflict. The GCC, in a joint statement, voiced its deep concern over what it termed as “blatant Israeli aggression” in Gaza. The council commended the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in securing the humanitarian ceasefire and advocated for an immediate renewal of the truce to achieve a permanent ceasefire.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attended the meeting, accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Both Turkey and Qatar, known for their support of the Palestinian cause, have maintained communication channels with Hamas.

Qatar, an ally of the US and host to a significant US military base, also houses a Hamas office, which serves as the residence for the group’s self-exiled leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The presence of Hamas in Qatar, established with the approval of the United States, is defended by Qatar as a means to facilitate conflict resolution.