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Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, on Wednesday hosted a press conference for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 at its Headquarters, highlighting Early Bird registration with special group discounts and reaffirming the marathon’s continuous partnership with global sportswear leader New Balance. Now in its 14th edition, the marathon is set to take place on Friday, 16 January 2026, and is expected to welcome more than 20,000 runners from around the world, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most prestigious sporting events.The collaboration with New Balance, now in its second consecutive year as official footwear and apparel partner, is part of a three-year agreement that continues to elevate the profile of Qatar’s premier road race.As part of the conference, Ooredoo Qatar and New Balance also recognised three outstanding Qatari athletes — Abdullah al-Musalam, Lolwa al-Marri, and Rabaa al-Msleh — who have been awarded the chance to compete in the renowned TCS New York City Marathon 2025. This milestone reflects the joint commitment of both organisations to celebrating local talent and showcasing Qatar’s athletes on the international stage.Commenting on the occasion, Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee and Senior Director Marketing Communications at Ooredoo Qatar, said: “The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has grown into one of the most anticipated sporting events in the region, bringing together thousands of runners from around the world. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with New Balance, whose expertise and innovation help us set new benchmarks for the event year after year. It was also an honour to recognise our Qatari athletes today, as we remain committed to empowering local talent and promoting Qatar as a hub for sporting excellence.”Stuart Henwood, Senior Director for Middle East, Africa & India (MEAI) at New Balance, added: “At New Balance, we believe running has the power to bring people together and create lasting change. Our continued partnership with the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s thriving running community and empowering athletes at every level through our Run Your Way campaign. We are especially proud to celebrate Qatari talent by giving Abdullah, Lulwa, and Rabaa the opportunity to represent their country and region on the world stage at the TCS New York City Marathon 2025, a true embodiment of our philosophy to champion individuality and inspire runners everywhere.”Holding the World Athletics Gold Label and ranking among the top 25 marathons globally, the marathon promises to deliver another memorable experience that embodies health, determination, and unity.Early bird registration is now open, with discounted rates available and a 25% discount for groups of four or more.

Israel undermined regional peace and stability in its attack last week on Hamas leaders who had been in Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire, the United Nations rights chief said during a debate at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday."Israel's strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told delegates.The airstrike risked undermining negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza's nearly two-year-old war, he said.The strike, which Hamas says killed five of its members but not its leadership, has prompted Gulf Arab states to close ranks. Arab and Islamic states held a summit in Doha on Monday to back Qatar.Qatar urged council members to hold Israel accountable. The Israeli strike on Doha amounted to "state terrorism" and a direct threat to regional stability, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, told the Tuesday's debate.Saudi Arabia's envoy in Geneva, Abdulmohsen Majed Binkhothaila, said: "Israeli actions are no longer sporadic violations, they constitute a systematic behaviour based on the indiscriminate killings ... and forced displacement in violation of all international norms and laws."Algeria and Pakistan joined Qatar in condemning Israel, while the European Union expressed its solidarity with Qatar.Separately on Tuesday, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded on Tuesday that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, accusations Israel strongly rejected as it launched a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to hold an emergency debate today, on Israel's September 9 attack against Qatar. This emergency debate was requested during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva by Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva Bilal Ahmad, on behalf of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group and Permanent Representative of the Kuwait Naser Al Hayen, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

United Development Company (UDC) is positioning its development philosophy as a cornerstone for engaging in critical discussions at the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah said the company’s role in the forum goes beyond showcasing its developments. “Our priority is to contribute strategic insights and proven practices that demonstrate how real estate can deliver lasting economic and social value,” al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that UDC, a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s forum, will share lessons from the company’s experience in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and integrated community living, demonstrating how these principles are being embedded into new projects that support Qatar’s growth.“Equally important, through high-level discussions and bilateral engagements, we aim to help shape the dialogue into concrete outcomes, whether that is in the form of creating tangible investment opportunities, forging innovative partnerships, or offering practical insights that can help inform future policy directions. In this way, UDC directly supports the forum’s ambition to move from vision to measurable impact,” he emphasised.Asked how does UDC’s vision align with the strategic goals of the forum’s third edition, al-Jaidah explained that the company’s vision “is to be the regional leader in real estate development and management,” which is guided by UDC’s ‘Value Promise and Strategic Choices’ of putting customers and communities first, driving cost competitiveness, pursuing operational excellence, and advancing growth through innovation.He continued: “This aligns closely with the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is focused on reinforcing investor confidence and showcasing the strength and efficiency of Qatar’s real estate system. The forum’s emphasis on transparency, streamlined policies, and the integration of digital platforms mirrors our own commitment to operational excellence and innovation. And its role as a hub for public–private dialogue reflects our belief in trust-based partnerships that create long-term value.“Through developments like The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, we demonstrate how this vision translates into secure investments, vibrant communities, and resilient growth, outcomes that are directly in line with both the forum’s objectives and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Al-Jaidah also underscored how UDC supports the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, saying the company’s developments “are not merely real estate projects.”“They are transformative platforms that bring Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars to life with economic diversification, social development, environmental sustainability, and human capital advancement. Within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, we see our role as crafting destinations that attract investment, embody innovation, and elevate quality of life,” al-Jaidah explained.He added: “At The Pearl Island, we have set a global benchmark with the Largest Pneumatic Waste Management Network, while on Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk is one of the region’s largest outdoor air-conditioned retail promenades, an innovation that enhances comfort, elevates community experiences, and adds distinctive value for investors and residents alike. These initiatives reflect our ‘Customer and Community First’ approach, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class living and investment opportunities.”

Doha Design District (DDD), in collaboration with Chaumet, M7, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and The Cutting Studio, has launched a purpose-driven upcycling initiative that reinforces its commitment to sustainability, design innovation and meaningful community engagement.Inspired by the poetic narrative of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, a sensory journey celebrating the beauty of the natural world, this project transforms the exhibition’s flags into a limited collection of bespoke tote bags.Proceeds from the sale of these pieces will directly support EAA programmes to expand access to quality education for children and youth in the most marginalised communities worldwide.Msheireb Properties chief executive Ali al-Kuwari said that this upcycling initiative by the DDD is a clear reflection of our commitment to sustainability, innovation and community empowerment.“By transforming elements from the Chaumet & Nature exhibition into limited-edition pieces that support global education, we are demonstrating how design can serve a dual purpose: honouring the natural world while addressing critical social challenges,” he said. “Through the DDD, we aim to lead projects that inspire innovation and align with Qatar’s sustainable development goals.”“This collaboration between Chaumet and the DDD for Education Above All Foundation represents another commitment of the Maison for responsible innovation and sustainability,” said Chaumet chief executive Charles Leung. “It also extends the local social impact of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, resulting in a concrete contribution to the work done by the Foundation for education.”Mohammed al-Kubaisi, the acting chief executive of the EAA Foundation, said that the foundation is pleased to collaborate on this initiative, which reflects the intersection of creativity and social responsibility.“Our partnership with the DDD and Chaumet underscores a shared commitment to empowering children and youth through education, opening new pathways to create lasting, positive impact in their lives and communities,” he noted.Curated by the DDD, the creative process was made possible through the support of M7, Qatar’s hub for design and fashion entrepreneurship, and brought to life by The Cutting Studio, a local workshop known for its artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable ethos.This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to thoughtful design, responsible craftsmanship, and social impact.The limited-edition tote bags will be available to purchase at the TEC Café at Doha Design District, The Cutting Studio at M7, and Msheireb Museums.

Qatar, with its prudent leadership, believes in peace as the rational and moral option and in constructive dialogue as the path toward ensuring a more cooperative and safe future among peoples, Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) chairman Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi (pictured) has said.He was addressing the two-day International Conference on Peace Among Followers of Religions 2025, hosted by Malaysia’s Penang state government, under the theme of Cultural and Religious Pluralism: A Pathway to Peace and Harmony in a Turbulent World.Dr al-Naimi touched on the brazen Israeli aggression against Qatar, the nation that has been diligently energising efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region through mediation and dialogue.He stressed that Qatar would continue these efforts despite all challenges and hurdles.This conference is an essential gathering and represents the product of multi-institutional and multicultural partnerships, stemming from the consultations of the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue 2024 and the Second International Conference on Peace Making 2025.Interfaith encounters, Dr al-Naimi said, are not limited to the exchange of knowledge, they spark transformations in thought and behaviour and build practical commitments to advance peace.He also spoke on the tragic situation that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing, stressing that brothers in Palestine have been entrapped in a years-long methodical siege, war, displacement, and starvation.Dr al-Naimi added that the DICID has launched an awareness campaign on deliberate starvation in Gaza to highlight this crime, with hopes remaining substantial with human voices around the globe that demand an end to this calamity.Peace is a joint moral and human responsibility, he stressed, and this conference should go far beyond merely a dialogue to be a springboard to real transformations, practical partnerships, and global efforts that build a future that underpins co-existence, tolerance, and harmony.Organised by the Coalition of Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations in Malaysia, in collaboration with the Penang state government, and in partnership and under the auspices of the DICID, the conference convenes more than 200 dignitaries, including high-ranking officials, religious leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from a host of countries around the world.Regarding the partnership forged with the DICID in organising this event, Dr al-Naimi highlighted that this collaboration, in terms of organisation and sponsorship, embodies the centre’s objectives and efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among followers of religions.He said that the centre has a substantial presence in numerous countries worldwide, including Western and Arab nations.Convening in Malaysia and other southeast Asian countries, Dr al-Naimi stated, is a natural extension of Qatar’s efforts in the field of dialogue and peace-building, which broadens horizons to handle novel challenges.He noted that Malaysia’s experience in unity and peace is a perfect opportunity, as it is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, making it a fertile ground for the experience of interfaith dialogue.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, discussed Saturday via phone the Israeli aggression against Qatar, which they condemned as a violation of international law and an escalation that will only increase tensions and conflict in the region. The two ministers stressed their full solidarity with Qatar, affirming its security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens.Al-Safadi and Fidan also emphasized the importance of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit to be hosted by Qatar on Monday, which aims to create a unified Arab and Islamic stance against the ongoing Israeli aggression that threatens regional security and stability.During the call, the ministers also discussed the latest developments in the region.They reaffirmed the need for coordinated efforts to halt the Israeli aggression on Gaza immediately, to reach a prisoner exchange agreement, and to ensure the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which is suffering from an unprecedented humanitarian disaster exacerbated by the ongoing aggression.

US President Donald Trump's top diplomat, Marco Rubio reiterated Saturday that the US and President Donald Trump were not happy about Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar."There are still 48 hostages that deserve to be released immediately, all at once. And there is still the hard work ahead once this ends, of rebuilding Gaza in a way that provides people the quality of life that they all want," Rubio told reporters.Israel’s nearly two-year-long campaign has killed more than 64,000 people in the Palestinian enclave, according to local authorities. It has sparked a hunger crisis and led to allegations that Israel is committing genocide, including this month by the world's biggest group of genocide scholars.Qatar has been one of the mediators, along with the US, trying to secure a ceasefire deal that would include the captives' release from Gaza.On Tuesday, Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike on Doha. US officials described it as a unilateral escalation that did not serve American or Israeli interests.The strike on the territory of a close US ally sparked broad condemnation from other Arab states and derailed ceasefire and hostage talks brokered by Qatar.On Friday, Rubio met with Qatar's Prime Minister HE Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the White House.Later this month, countries including France and Britain are expected to recognise Palestinian statehood, a move opposed by Israel.

Vodafone Qatar and Khwarizmi Artificial Intelligence Centre Doha (KAIC) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a collaboration aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) innovation across Qatar.The partnership will see both organisations co-develop and implement an AI-powered FlowTeam solution, based on KAIC’s TENN.ai platform, and customised to meet Vodafone Qatar’s evolving client needs. The collaboration will particularly focus on offering disruptive AI-driven user experiences, enhancing customer satisfaction, optimising operational agility, and driving transformative digital innovation across Qatar’s telecommunications and enterprise sectors.Leveraging KAIC’s robust AI solutions and capabilities, Vodafone Qatar will develop solutions to overcome industry challenges, empowering customers and businesses alike with smarter, more personalised services. The partnership reflects Vodafone Qatar’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, customer-centric technologies by leveraging the latest AI innovations to drive digital transformation within Qatar's enterprise sectors.Mohamed Mohsin Alyafei, Enterprise Business Unit director at Vodafone Qatar, said: “In recognition of the ongoing need for innovation to advance Qatar’s aspirations for a diversified, competitive digital economy, Vodafone Qatar is committed to developing infrastructure and technological capabilities to support this vision. By harnessing AI’s potential, we aim to reshape how businesses engage with their customers and strengthen Qatar’s position as a technology leader, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”Firas Sleiman, founder of KAIC, said: “We’re honoured and thrilled to work with Vodafone Qatar on these key initiatives, and support government and private clients with their AI use cases and workflow transformations. This strategic collaboration will harness the power of our TENN.ai Enterprise AI Platform, allowing clients to use our super-agentic FlowTeams to deploy AI Employees that will automate and accelerate work. These smart virtual AI employees will redefine operational agility and deliver unprecedented customer experiences, truly powering Qatar's digital transformation journey.”

The international community shown unprecedented solidarity with Qatar in response to the brazen Israeli aggression that recently targeted residential compounds housing several Hamas leaders in Doha. The attack marked a dangerous precedent and a major turning point, not only for the Palestinian issue but also for political developments across the region.Global support for Qatar reflects the stature it enjoys among the nations and peoples of the world, in recognition of its ongoing efforts and multiple mediation initiatives aimed at promoting security, peace, stability, and development at both regional and international levels. The widespread international condemnation of this brutal attack is also a clear denunciation of Israel's repeated violations of international law and its undermining of peace efforts in the region.Leaders and senior officials from Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries, through official visits, statements, and communications with Qatar following the attack, strongly condemned the cowardly assault, emphasising that it constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and a total disregard for international law and norms, as well as a dangerous escalation by Israel's war machine.Global reactions described the attack as a deliberate attempt to undermine Qatar's mediation efforts and a clear rejection of any peaceful solutions to end Israeli aggression in Gaza. The assault has made it unmistakably clear to the international community which party is obstructing peace and threatening regional security without regard for international laws or obligations.Despite this audacious attack, the unprecedented support and exceptional solidarity shown by countries worldwide — through high-level phone calls and visits expressing support for Qatar and the Qatari people — have reinforced Doha's symbolic status as a capital of peace, mediation, and dialogue.Since the first hours of the Israeli aggression, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received continuous phone calls from world leaders expressing solidarity and condemning the criminal attack.In this context, His Highness received a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who affirmed his country's solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemned the Israeli strike on the residential compounds of Hamas leaders, describing it as a criminal act and a flagrant violation of international laws and norms, threatening the security of Qatar and the region.The Crown Prince emphasised Saudi Arabia's rejection of any aggression that threatens Qatar’s security and reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for measures taken by Qatar to protect its sovereignty.His Highness the Amir also received a call from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who conveyed Egypt's solidarity with Qatar and condemned the Israeli attack, describing it as a criminal act and a clear violation of international laws, threatening Qatar’s security and regional stability. President al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's support for Qatar's actions to safeguard its sovereignty and security.Furthermore, the Amir received a call from US President Donald Trump, who expressed solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemned the violation of its sovereignty. The president highlighted that diplomatic solutions remain key to resolving regional issues and praised the tireless mediation efforts of His Highness and Qatar, recognising their essential role in promoting peace. He also reaffirmed that Qatar is a trusted strategic ally of the US and encouraged the Amir to continue Qatar's mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza.In a display of Arab, Islamic, and international solidarity, His Highness the Amir received phone calls from leaders of Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Mauritania, and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, as well as leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Ethiopia, India, Venezuela, Colombia, and the UN Secretary-General.Doha also hosted visits from numerous leaders and senior officials from sisterly and friendly countries to affirm their support for Qatar against the cowardly aggression.Among them were UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan; Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled al Hamad al Sabah; and Crown Prince of Jordan Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II.Additionally, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Qatar, all affirming solidarity with Qatar and its people, emphasising that the Israeli attack constitutes a breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, threatening regional security and stability.In continued international support, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani received multiple calls from Arab, Islamic, and global officials expressing solidarity and strong condemnation of the Israeli attack.In Washington, HE Sheikh Mohammed met with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss strategic relations and regional developments. Vance reiterated US support for Qatar, emphasising diplomatic solutions and Qatar's pivotal role in peace mediation.The UN Security Council held a session to examine the Israeli aggression against Qatar. HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani stated that the session successfully endorsed Qatar's clear and legal position.Regionally, the Gulf Co-operation Council condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed full solidarity with Qatar and called for immediate international accountability for Israeli actions undermining regional security and stability.The Arab League Council, at the ministerial level, also strongly condemned the Israeli bombing in Doha, affirming full solidarity with Qatar.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasising that it aimed to undermine Qatar's security and stability. He reaffirmed Turkiye's full support for both the Palestinian people and Qatar as a strategic and friendly partner.Bahrain, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq also issued statements condemning the brazen Israeli attack against Qatar.In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the Israeli strike as unacceptable under any circumstances, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the attacks, warning that they could escalate tensions in the region.In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli aggression as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, stressing that it threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state and could further destabilise the Middle East.Foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom jointly condemned the attack, affirming that it violated Qatar's sovereignty and posed a serious regional risk. They expressed full support for Qatar's vital role in mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the US, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and seize opportunities for peace.The European Union also denounced the attack, stressing that it violated international law and Qatar's territorial integrity, while warning that it could escalate violence in the region. EU affirmed its full solidarity with Qatar, an important strategic partner, and urged all sides to avoid further escalation in Gaza.In Ottawa, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said that Canada was reassessing its relations with Israel following the attack on Qatar. She described the strike as unacceptable, particularly given Qatar's mediation efforts for peace in the Middle East.China strongly condemned the Israeli attack, expressing concern that the strike could further escalate regional tensions and criticising actions that undermine ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Belarus, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, South Korea, and the Republic of Congo also issued separate condemnations, describing the attack as an obstacle to diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, as well as a violation of Qatar’s territorial integrity and international law.Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and Muslim World League likewise condemned the Israeli aggression, warning that it posed a serious threat to regional security and stability. Both organisations called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to hold Israel accountable and ensure compliance with international law and UN resolutions.International Union of Muslim Scholars, African Union, and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) also strongly denounced the attack, warning that it could further destabilise an already fragile Middle East.These widespread reactions from Arab, Islamic, and international actors underscore the strength and resilience of Qatar's strategic relationships, built on mutual respect, and highlight the country's prominent and respected role in key regional and international affairs.

Palestinian political analysts and experts agree that the upcoming emergency Arab-Islamic summit, scheduled to be held in Qatar capital, Doha, on Monday, represents a crucial opportunity to coordinate Arab and Islamic response to the Israeli entity's arrogance and blatant violations of international law and state sovereignty. The most recent example is the Israeli aggression targeting residential compounds housing several Hamas leaders in Doha.In separate interviews with Qatar News Agency (QNA), speakers noted that the summit is expected to formulate a unified stance to confront Israeli encroachments on Arab sovereignty and to reach a decision supporting Arab, international, and UN efforts to halt the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza Strip over the past two years, as well as to oppose the Judaization, annexation, and expropriation projects Israel has begun implementing in the West Bank.Political analyst and academic at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Dr. Samir Abu Madlala, stated that the Arab and Islamic countries participating in the summit are called upon to stand with Qatar in defending its national sovereignty. He emphasized the need for these countries to reassess their relationship with Israeli occupying entity, considering it a colonial expansionist state that poses a threat to the interests of Arab nations and peoples - a stance that Israel's far-right government continues to flaunt.Abu Madlala stressed in an exclusive statement to QNA that the expected Arab and Islamic political support for Qatar must translate into concrete practical steps, including halting cooperation and coordination with Israel, suspending trade relations, and taking measures to prevent Israeli flights from crossing the airspace of these countries.He added that Palestinian and Arab interests must be prioritized, separate from relations with Israel. Without practical action, the occupation will continue its plan to destroy Gaza Strip, carry out its bloody project of displacing its residents, and continue its aggression against Arab countries, as seen in recent attacks on Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, and most recently, Qatar.Abu Madlala also commended Qatar's support for the Palestinian people, both materially and morally, including development projects in Gaza following the 2014 aggression, which amounted to over 400 million USD and contributed to strengthening Palestinian resilience. He reaffirmed that Qatar consistently stands with the Palestinian people in their right to return, freedom, and the establishment of an independent state.The Palestinian analyst and academic highlighted the vital role of Qatari and Egyptian mediation between the Palestinian resistance and occupation, particularly since the outbreak of Israeli aggression on Gaza, during which Israel has carried out organized state terror against the population under US sponsorship.He said that Qatar's role, alongside Egypt, is crucial in mediation. This mediation succeeded in achieving a ceasefire and truce in January of this year. However, when Qatar sought to continue this role at the US request, Israeli entity attacked Qatar's sovereignty and attempted to assassinate the negotiating delegation, demonstrating the state's policy of organized terror against the Palestinian people.Abu Madlala emphasized that through this attack, Israeli entity proves it has no intention of reaching a truce or agreement to recover its prisoners from the resistance; rather, it seeks to continue its bloody project in Gaza, destroying it entirely and displacing its residents.He concluded that the Qatari and Egyptian mediation roles are central and crucial at this time, expressing hope that Qatar can achieve a ceasefire and halt hostilities as soon as possible, to strengthen Palestinian resilience and preserve what remains of Gaza Strip, given that Israel's project in Gaza targets the Palestinian people, while in the West Bank it targets Palestinian land for annexation and Judaization.Writer and political analyst, Mohammed Abu Qamar, considers that the upcoming Arab summit will witness crucial discussions on mechanisms for a collective response to Israeli aggression, as well as on options for Arab and Islamic action in the coming phase, amid Israeli arrogance.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Abu Qamar noted that the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha comes at a sensitive and critical time, coinciding with Israeli aggression against Qatar sovereignty and the occupation's attempt to undermine all efforts to stop the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza, which continued for over 700 days. He also highlighted the expansion of Israeli threats across the Arab region, targeting Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and reaching as far as Qatar, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu openly revealed his ambitions for what he terms "Greater Israel."Abu Qamar emphasized that Qatar's persistent diplomatic efforts since the first day of Gaza aggression - including successfully negotiating ceasefire agreements in February 2024 and January 2025 - have not been tolerated by Israel, which seeks to continue its campaign of killing and destruction. He explained that the recent attack on Qatar territories, targeting Hamas negotiating delegation, was an attempt by Israel to undermine Qatar's mediation efforts and obstruct progress toward an agreement to end war in Gaza.Against this backdrop, Abu Qamar stressed the importance of the summit in taking a decisive stance against Israeli aggression in the region, which now threatens Arabian Gulf. The summit is expected to forge an urgent position aimed at halting attacks on Arab states, ending the war in Gaza immediately, and stopping settlement expansion in West Bank, which eliminates any chance for a Palestinian state.He highlighted that Arab countries hold all the leverage necessary to achieve these objectives through decisive measures if Israel's aggression against Palestinian territories and Arab states is not stopped. Eyes of the region are on the Doha summit, with hope that it will adopt a unified position capable of countering Israel's far-right government, which has taken actions and decisions that risk igniting the entire region.In the same context, political researcher, Ahmed Abu Zahri, noted that choosing Qatari capital - which recently suffered an Israeli attack - as the venue for the summit sends a strong message to Israel: Arab and Islamic response to Israeli violations transforms the targeted state into an active arena for political and diplomatic confrontation with the occupation.Abu Zahri told QNA that the high-level representation expected at the summit from the Gulf, Arab, and Islamic world sends a clear message that Israel's targeting of a Gulf state constitutes a threat to the entire region. This gives the summit a mandate to act as a unifying Arab platform, extending beyond traditional expressions of solidarity.He affirmed that the Israeli attack on a residential compound in Doha was primarily aimed at undermining Qatar's role as an effective mediator in Gaza conflict, preventing it from exercising diplomatic and political pressure to implement a ceasefire. As a result, Gaza issue and ending war have become central items on the agenda of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit.

Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the Arab League Jamal Rushdi affirmed Saturday that the emergency Arab-Islamic summit - to be hosted by Doha on Monday - carries a message of full solidarity with the State of Qatar in the face of the brutal attack by the Israeli occupation forces targeting the residential compounds of members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Doha last Tuesday.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Rushdi said that the convening of this summit in the State of Qatar aims primarily to discuss the consequences of the unprecedented, dangerous and cowardly Israeli aggression on Qatari sovereignty, by targeting Hamas leaders on Qatari territory. He pointed out that this summit is expected to express a message of full solidarity from Arab and Islamic countries with the State of Qatar and to stand by it in its position that defends international law and international norms, which have long stipulated that mediators or negotiators should not be targeted.The spokesman for the Secretary-General of the Arab League added that the upcoming summit will discuss the repercussions of the situation and the steps that must be taken to halt the slide in the region due to the aggressive behavior of the Israeli entity. The summit is also expected to support the State of Qatar in any measures it takes to preserve and defend its sovereignty, he said, noting that the summit also represents a message to the world rejecting Israeli arrogance and refusing to accept the logic of the law of the jungle in the region.Rushdi stressed the need for the international community to shoulder its responsibility in curbing this reckless Israeli behavior, which is igniting fires in the region, one country after another. In this regard, he emphasized the need to put an end to these Israeli attacks, which have targeted more than one country in the Middle East.The spokesman for the Secretary-General of the Arab League concluded his remarks by highlighting the need to put an end to the ongoing war of extermination in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and warning against the behavior of the Israeli entity, which continues its brutal aggression against the Palestinian people.