Qatar Condemns Israel’s Rafah Offensive Plan

Qatar has expressed its vehement opposition to Israel’s proposed ground offensive in Rafah, appealing to the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt what it terms as “genocide.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis looming over Rafah, a city that has become a sanctuary for numerous displaced individuals within the besieged Gaza Strip. In a statement released on its official website, Qatar implored the Security Council to urgently act to prevent Israeli forces from invading Rafah and committing acts of genocide, emphasizing the need for civilian protection under both international law and humanitarian law.

The statement further articulated Qatar’s firm stance against the forced displacement of Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip, underscoring the country’s commitment to opposing such measures.

As a significant mediator in the Israel-Hamas dialogue, Qatar has been instrumental in facilitating discussions aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement, which includes negotiations over the release of hostages.

This comes in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructing the Israeli military to prepare for the possible evacuation of over a million residents of Rafah in anticipation of a ground attack on the city, as outlined in a statement from his office on Friday.