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Wednesday, April 01, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Gaza" (246 articles)

Palestinian children hold out their pans in front of a charity kitchen in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, on Sunday. AFP
Region

What is happening in Gaza is systematic genocide: Doctors Without Borders

Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) warned of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Strip, stating that over a million people face "constant terror" after receiving urgent evacuation orders from Gaza City ahead of the large-scale ground offensive by Israeli occupation forces.Secretary-General of the organisation, Christopher Lockyer, stated on Sunday that escaping the intense bombardment is impossible for many elderly people, the sick, pregnant women, and the wounded, warning that survivors of this tragic journey will find themselves in overcrowded areas in central and southern Gaza that lack safety and basic necessities for survival.He emphasized that what is happening in Gaza goes beyond a humanitarian disaster, describing it as a systematic genocide of an entire nation, and noting that Israeli occupation forces are committing these crimes with complete impunity.Lockyer added that loss of life is immense, with figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health showing over 64,000 deaths, including 20,000 children, with the real number expected to be higher due to many still trapped under the rubble.He stressed that there is no safe haven in Gaza, citing entire families being annihilated in their homes, as well as attacks on health workers and journalists documenting events, describing the bombardment an attack on both infrastructure and civilians.He further pointed out that the healthcare system in the Strip has been subjected to systematic targeting, including hospitals and medical facilities, endangering the lives of staff and patients, and reaching the level of war crimes, noting that the remaining hospitals are overcrowded and severely lacking in supplies, resulting in unnecessary suffering and preventable deaths.

Gulf Times
Region

Gaza hospitals record 2 deaths due to famine and malnutrition in past 24 hours

Gaza Strip hospitals recorded two deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of deaths from famine and malnutrition to 422, including 145 children.Malnutrition and starvation cases are arriving at Gaza hospitals every moment, with 900,000 children in Gaza suffering from hunger, 70,000 of whom have entered the stage of malnutrition.The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) had previously warned that malnutrition among children under the age of five has doubled between March and June, as a result of the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.

A couple with an infant walk with other displaced Palestinians evacuating southbound from Gaza City along the coastal road in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip Saturday.
Region

Thousands flee Gaza City under Israeli assault

The Israeli military said Saturday that more than 250,000 people had fled Gaza City since it began intensifying operations there, as Palestinian officials reported many had been unable to evacuate south due to overcrowding.The United Nations estimated in late August that about one million Palestinians lived in and around Gaza's largest urban centre, where it said a famine was unfolding after months of worsening conditions.The world body and members of the international community have urged the military to abandon its plans to capture the city, warning the assault and ensuing displacement could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation.On Saturday, Arabic-language army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that "more than a quarter of a mn residents of Gaza City have moved out of the city for their own safety".Gaza's civil defence agency, however, reported a much lower figure, saying fewer than 70,000 had managed to leave.The Israeli military dropped leaflets Saturday urging residents in western districts to evacuate, as the civil defence reported continuous air strikes.Mohammad Abu Salmiya, head of the Al-Shifa medical complex, said that displacement was continuing inside Gaza City, with residents moving from east to west, but "only a small number of people have been able to reach the south"."Even those who manage to flee south often find no place to stay, as the Al-Mawasi area is completely full and Deir al-Balah is also overcrowded," the senior official added, saying many had returned to Gaza City after failing to secure shelter or basic services.Bakri Diab, who fled western Gaza City for the south, said Israeli strikes continued there as well."Bombing happens here too — the south isn't safe either," said the 35-year-old father of four."All the occupation has done is force people to crowd into places with no basic services and no safety."Israel has come under mounting international pressure to halt its Gaza City offensive, but says it is determined to dismantle what it describes as one of Hamas's last strongholds.In recent weeks the military has targeted high-rise buildings there, saying they were being used by Hamas militants.On Saturday the military announced it had struck yet another tall building in the area.The death toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 64,803 martyrs and 164,264 injured.

Gulf Times
Region

WHO says to remain in Gaza City

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday that its workers will remain in Gaza City despite calls from Israel's military for people to flee an assault it is mounting there. "To civilians in Gaza: WHO and partners remain in Gaza City," WHO said on its X account. WHO is appalled by the latest evacuation order, demanding that one million people move from Gaza City to a so-called "humanitarian zone" in the south designated by Israel. "The zone has neither the size nor scale of services to support those already there, let alone new arrivals," the UN agency said. "Crippled health system cannot afford to lose any of these remaining facilities," it added.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her annual State of the Union address during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Wednesday. AFP
International

EU chief to push for sanctions on Israel ministers, curb trade ties over Gaza

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday she would push to sanction "extremist" Israeli ministers and curb trade ties over Gaza, as she warned famine could not be used as a "weapon of war".Addressing the European Parliament, von der Leyen lamented that divisions among member states were holding back a European response and said the European Commission she leads "will do all that it can on its own"."What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic," von der Leyen said."For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity -- this must stop."The German politician, 66, said the commission would put its bilateral support to Israel on hold, stopping all payments, but without affecting work with civil society groups and Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.The measure is to affect future allocations amounting to about six million euros ($7 million) a year and the disbursement of about 14 million euros for ongoing institutional cooperation projects, the commission said.The European Union's executive will propose sanctions on "extremist ministers" -- whose actions and words "incite violence" -- and "violent settlers".And it will push for a partial suspension of an association agreement with Israel on trade-related matters.But such measures will need approval by the bloc's 27 member states, which have been deeply divided on how to respond to Israel's actions in Gaza."I am aware it will be difficult to find majorities," von der Leyen conceded."And I know that any action will be too much for some. Too little for others. But we must all take our own responsibilities".The United Nations declared famine last month in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face "catastrophic" conditions.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar will take all measures necessary to protect its security and sovereignty: Amir

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received a call on Tuesday from President of the US of America Donald Trump. During the call, the US president expressed his solidarity with Qatar and his strong condemnation of the attack on its sovereignty, noting that diplomatic resolutions could resolve outstanding issues in the region. The US President expressed his appreciation of the tireless mediation efforts made by His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar, highlighting their active role in establishing peace in the region. He stressed that Qatar was a trusted strategic partner, calling on His Highness the Amir to continue Qatar's mediation efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip. For his part, His Highness the Amir stressed that Qatar condemns and denounces, in the strongest terms, the reckless and criminal attack given it is a clear violation of the country's sovereignty and security, adding that it was a clear violation of international law's principles, and held the Israeli entity responsible for its repercussions, in light of the policy of aggression they adopt that threatens the region's stability and obstructs efforts to de-escalate and reach sustainable diplomatic solutions. His Highness the Amir called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities regarding these outrageous actions, and to hold those involved accountable, expressing hope that the US of America would support such a just approach. His Highness the Amir stressed in that regard that Qatar will take all the measures necessary to protect its security and sovereignty, and that it will continue its constructive approach of supporting brothers and friends, as well as just humanitarian causes to promote international peace and security.

Gulf Times
Region

UK Foreign Secretary says Gaza ceasefire immediate imperative to end suffering

The appalling suffering in Gaza must end, beginning with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to those in need, stressed the new UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. In a statement on Tuesday, she noted that the United Kingdom, through the Peace Framework Initiative, is leading international efforts to create the conditions for peace and security, and to work towards a two-state solution. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the enclave has faced one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history. The blockade and severe shortages of food and medical supplies have caused widespread and profound suffering.

Gulf Times
Region

Occupation Forces calls on Gaza City residents to evacuate in serious escalation

The Israeli occupation army ordered residents of Gaza City in the northern part of the Strip, to evacuate immediately and head south via Al-Rashid Street, announcing also plans to launch a large-scale offensive in the area, marking a dangerous escalation that further exacerbates humanitarian concerns. The announcement coincided with ongoing artillery shelling across various areas of the Gaza Strip. Early this morning, Israeli artillery targeted central Khan Yunis in the southern part of the Strip. Additionally, Israeli drones opened fire on Palestinian homes, while occupation forces continued to demolish residential blocks and homes in northern and central Gaza, leaving widespread destruction in the targeted neighborhoods. In a related development, several Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment near Al-Qouqa roundabout in Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. Earlier, medical sources reported that the death toll from the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,455, the majority of whom are women and children. The number of wounded has reached 162,776, while many victims remain trapped under the rubble or in the streets, as ambulance and civil defense crews are unable to reach them.

Palestinians cry as they walk outside al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City where casualties of early Israeli strikes were transported, on Monday. AFP
Region

Israel orders Gaza City residents to 'leave now'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told residents of Gaza City on Monday to evacuate, as the military ramped up its deadly assault on the Palestinian territory's largest urban centre. Israel has been intensifying its bombardment of the city in preparation for an operation to conquer it, despite repeated entreaties from Western nations and aid agencies to stop. Gaza's civil defence agency meanwhile said at least 39 people had been killed by Israel, including 25 in Gaza City, Monday. The premier's warning came hours after one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jerusalem since the start of the war, in which two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on a bus, killing six people, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The two gunmen were killed by a security officer and an armed civilian, police said. Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, had told Hamas earlier Monday to lay down its arms or face annihilation. On Monday, Israeli forces targeted a fourth high-rise building - the Al-Ruya tower- in Gaza City in as many days. Israel has faced mounting international pressure to halt its campaign in Gaza, with United Nations rights chief Volker Turk saying he was "horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric... by senior Israeli officials". US news outlet Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. Palestinian fighters killed four Israeli soldiers Monday after lobbing an explosive device into their tank, the Israeli military said. A Reuters report said Spain on Monday banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from calling at Spanish ports or entering its airspace due to Israel's military offensive in Gaza, measures the Israeli foreign minister denounced as antisemitic. Spain, which recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024 and has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, responded to Gideon Saar's comments by summoning its ambassador in Tel Aviv back for consultations. On top of the ban on ships and aircraft delivering weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government said it would not allow anyone who has participated directly in "genocide" in Gaza to enter Spain. Israel has strongly denied that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, and it is fighting a case at the International Court of Justice in the Hague that accuses it of genocide.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gestures during a press conference following the cabinet meeting at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, on November 5, 2024. Sanhcez delivered a speech  to announce nine measures to stop Gaza genocide at the Moncloa Palace on Monday.
Region

Spain bans Israel-bound weapons ships and planes over Gaza

Spain on Monday banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from calling at Spanish ports or entering its airspace due to Israel's military offensive in Gaza, measures the Israeli foreign minister denounced as antisemitic.Spain, which recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024 and has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, responded to Gideon Saar's comments by summoning its ambassador in Tel Aviv back for consultations.On top of the ban on ships and aircraft delivering weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government said it would not allow anyone who has participated directly in "genocide" in Gaza to enter Spain.Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October, 2023, after fighters from Hamas attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages.Spain's Foreign Ministry said that Sanchez's measures were in line with public sentiment in Spain and reflected Madrid's support for peace, human rights and international law.It said Spain was committed to fighting antisemitism, pointing to the granting of Spanish citizenship to 72,000 Sephardic Jews - descendants of those expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century.

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attends the Human Rights Council at the UN European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday. REUTERS
Region

UN rights chief denounces Israeli 'genocidal rhetoric' on Gaza

The UN rights chief accused Israeli officials on Monday of using overt "genocidal rhetoric" about Gaza and called for decisive international action to "end the carnage".In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council that was criticised by Israel, Volker Turk said the occupied Palestinian territory was already "a graveyard".He accused Israel of inflicting "indescribable suffering and wholesale destruction"."I am horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric and the disgraceful dehumanisation of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials."The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights did not provide examples, but his spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told AFP that "shocking and dehumanising language" has been used by a number of high-level officials, stressing that "this is not a case of one senior official mouthing off".A number of countries have sanctioned far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has urged "total extermination" in Gaza, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has called for opening the "gates of hell on Gaza (to) encourage Gazans to emigrate".Shamdasani also pointed to Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman's assertion in March that the "only solution for the Gaza Strip is to empty it of Gazans".And Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu said during a radio interview in July that "the government is racing to have Gaza erased".Turk stressed that nearly two years after the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel, "the region is crying out for peace".The Israeli army bombed a Gaza City residential tower block on Sunday -- the third in as many days -- and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was "deepening" its assault on the Gaza Strip's key urban centre.The UN estimates nearly one million people remain in and around Gaza City, where it officially declared a famine last month."Further militarisation, occupation, annexation and oppression will only feed more violence, retribution and terror," Turk warned.He insisted Israel had "a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide and ensure enough aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza".The UN rights chief said the international community was "failing the people of Gaza."Where are the decisive steps to prevent genocide," he asked.

Palestinians react, as smoke and flames rise while a residential building collapses after an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, September 7, 2025. REUTERS
Region

Israeli Occupation flattens dozens of buildings in Gaza City in single day

The Israeli occupation forces on Sunday carried out one of the most destructive assaults on Gaza City since the resumption of the war on March 18, flattening entire blocks and inflicting widespread devastation. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, said more than 50 buildings were completely destroyed, while another 100 were partially damaged, including high-rise towers that housed thousands of residents. He described the day as "one of the most difficult since the war resumed." Basal accused the occupation of deliberately targeting buildings surrounded by displaced persons' tents and shelters, leading to the destruction of more than 200 tents. He called this a "systematic policy" aimed at intensifying forced displacement. Civil Defense teams received multiple distress calls from civilians trapped under the rubble in the Zarqa area of the Tuffah neighborhood, where an entire building was bombed while residents were inside. The renewed bombardment also struck the few remaining mosques in Gaza City. Basal warned that Israel's "inhumane and immoral policy" against civilians risked worsening the humanitarian catastrophe and urged the international community to take urgent action to halt the ongoing massacres. On Sunday evening, Israeli occupation forces demolished the six-story Al-Ruya Tower, one of Gaza City's most prominent residential buildings, leaving behind scenes of devastation.