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The FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers kicked off in Qatar Tuesday with Palestine, Kuwait and Syria reaching the group stage on a thrilling day of action. Less than a week out from the start of the second edition of the tournament proper, Palestine needed penalties to beat Libya after a goalless draw, while Mohammad Daham dazzled as Kuwait eased past Mauritania 2-0 and Syria comfortably dispatched South Sudan by the same scoreline.At the Al Gharafa Stadium, Palestine enjoyed the better run of play in the first half and had the best looks at goal, first through a left-footed effort from Oday Dabbagh that missed the target, followed by Mustafa Zeidan hooking a right-footer wide of the mark from inside the area.Libya found their footing in the second half and nearly had an opener when Ezzeddin Elmaremi swung a shot wide, followed later by a gilt-edged chance for Mahmoud Alshalwi that was spoiled. Back came Palestine and Libya goalkeeper Ayman Altihar was called on to save a well-struck volley from Hamed Hamdan.Libya made a notable switch right before the full-time whistle, as Altihar made way for Abdelhadi Yassin with penalties looming, but it was Palestine’s Rami Hamada stealing the show by saving a spot kick before a missed attempt from Maruwan Alhibeeshi secured their progress. The field is now set in Group A of the regional showpiece, which contains hosts Qatar, Tunisia, Syria and Palestine.At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Daham stole the show in the first qualifier as the electric winger scored one and created the other in Kuwait’s fairly straightforward win over Mauritania. The winger was on hand to nod home the opener at the back post in just the eighth minute, following a deflected Rashed al-Dousari cross.Then it was the 25 year-old’s teasing cross that lured Mauritania defender Nouh Mohamed into a touch that flew past his own goalkeeper to send Kuwait to the break with a two-goal advantage. Mauritania had a Hacen El Id effort ruled out for offside just shy of the hour but an organised Kuwait saw things out to set up Group C dates with Egypt, Jordan and United Arab Emirates.Meanwhile, Syria continued their excellent form this year by comfortably defeating a plucky South Sudan team to reach the group stage. South Sudan bravely held off the Syria attack in the opening half. But they fell a goal behind in the 52nd minute after brilliant play down the right wing from Mahmoud al-Aswad, who crossed for Mohammad al-Hallak to convert from close range.That goal immediately changed the trajectory of the game, with captain Mahmoud al-Mawas doubling the lead seven minutes later with an exquisite strike into the top corner. Syria twice came close to extending their advantage late on through al-Aswad and al-Hallak as South Sudan's wait to qualify for their first major tournament continued.

The State of Qatar participated in the meeting of the Palestine Donor Group for 2025, held in Brussels, chaired by Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European Commission Stefano Sannino.The high-level meeting brought together key international partners and donors to reaffirm collective support for the Palestinian people, strengthen coordination on development and humanitarian efforts, and discuss strategies to address the urgent political, economic, and social needs on the ground.The State of Qatar was represented by Deputy Director General of Risk and Compliance Sector at Qatar Fund for Development Abdulla Ahmed Al Fehani.Al Fehani underscored the international unwavering commitment to humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and long-term stability in Palestine by stating: "At the outset of my remarks, I would like to highly commend this European initiative, which comes at a pivotal moment in the history of our central cause. It affirms a growing international commitment to ending the humanitarian suffering in the occupied Palestinian territory, strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people, and supporting their institutions."During the session, he also highlighted Qatar’s ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting essential services, infrastructure projects, and socioeconomic resilience, emphasizing the importance of continued international engagement at this critical moment.Qatar’s participation in the Brussels meeting reflects its long-standing diplomatic commitment to supporting peace, stability, and development in the region, as well as its dedication to advancing coordinated international efforts through multilateral platforms. 

A Palestinian was wounded on Monday by Israeli occupation forces in the town of Al-Ram, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.WAFA news agency reported, citing local sources, that Israeli occupation soldiers shot and wounded a young man near the apartheid wall separating the town of Al-Ram from the city of Jerusalem.Over the past two years, the aggression of the Israeli occupation and its settlers against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem has escalated, especially after the war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.

A young Palestinian man was martyred and another was injured early Sunday morning during an Israeli military raid on the Old Askar refugee camp, east of Nablus in the West Bank.The Palestinian Red Crescent in Nablus reported that two young men were injured during clashes with Israeli forces in the camp. One was shot in the chest with live ammunition and died from his wounds, while the other was shot in the back and taken to the hospital.Large numbers of Israeli soldiers stormed the city of Nablus from several directions, sparking clashes in the Old Askar camp. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition at Palestinians during the clashes. Israeli forces also raided the neighborhoods of Ras al-Ayn, Al-Basha, the Old City, and its surrounding areas. No arrests were reported.The aggression of the Israeli occupation and its settlers against the Palestinian people in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem has escalated over the past two years, particularly following the war on the Gaza Strip.

This morning, Israeli occupation forces arrested 11 Palestinians from various areas of the West Bank amid an ongoing escalation of violence against Palestinians. The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that the occupation forces arrested four people from the Nablus governorate after raiding the Balata, Askar Al Qadim, Askar Al Jadid camps and the town of Beit Furik, in addition to two citizens from the town of Beit Rima and the village of Abu Shkheidem northwest of Ramallah, and six others from the city of Qalqilya.

Israeli occupation forces bombed various areas in the northern and southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning.The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Al Shuja'iya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, while an Israeli drone targeted the eastern areas of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern part of the Strip.Meanwhile, Israeli warships opened fire toward the shore of Rafah city in the south of the Strip.Since the implementation of the ceasefire on Oct. 11, Israeli occupation forces have committed dozens of violations, resulting in the martyrdom of 261 Palestinians and the injury of 632 others, while the bodies of 533 martyrs have been retrieved from under the rubble.The Israeli occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, has resulted in the martyrdom of at least 69,187 Palestinians, most of whom are children and women, and the injury of 170,703 others.A number of victims remain under the rubble, and ambulance and rescue teams are unable to reach them.

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) launched widespread arrests, raids and violent house searches on Thursday in the West Bank, arresting 25 Palestinians.Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported that the IOF arrested 18 Palestinians in the city of Dura during their raid on southern Al-Khalil, four others in the villages of Beita and Qaryout, south of Nablus, and three young Palestinians in the town of Deir Al-Ghusun, north of Tulkarm.In the same context, the IOF demolished a park in the town of Al-Qubayba, northwest of Occupied Jerusalem (Al-Quds).These arrests come as part of the escalating policy pursued by the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, which aims to terrify Palestinians, restrict their movement, and persecute activists and released prisoners.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face tremendous hardship, including dire living conditions and insufficient aid one month after the fragile ceasefire went into effect, pointing out that Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control.In a statement, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza Caroline Seguin said, " Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses, as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to health care is reduced.""The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organizations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure," she added.Seguin also noted that thousands of displaced people are living in tents lacking water and electricity, surrounded by accumulated waste and outbreaks of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases, as winter approaches.The organization called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed $1mn grant agreement with the ITF Enhancing Human Security (ITF) to support the Palestine Hospital in Harmalah - Bethlehem, with the aim of strengthening the healthcare system in the sisterly State of Palestine.The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Chairperson of QFFD Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, and signed by Director General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti, and Director of ITF Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic.This contribution will enable ITF to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to respond to emergency medical needs by covering the procurement of raw materials and improving access to essential healthcare and rehabilitation services for populations affected by conflict, including those from Gaza. On this occasion, Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti, stated: "Access to quality medical care is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.Through this partnership with ITF, we aim to strengthen hospitals as pillars of resilience, capable of responding to crises, safeguarding lives, and restoring the well-being of communities affected by conflict.This agreement embodies Qatar’s steadfast solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people and reaffirms our shared commitment to addressing their urgent needs amid humanitarian circumstances.” Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic, Director of ITF, stated: "The needs of Palestinian victims of explosive remnants of war require an urgent action. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, need appropriate medical attention, including prosthetic care and psychosocial support." The partnership between QFFD and ITF underscores a joint commitment to advancing equitable healthcare, enhancing resilience, and promoting human security in conflict zones.It also comes as part of Qatar's steadfast support for the brotherly Palestinian people, aimed at securing essential services and building a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable future.

Slovenian President Dr Natasa Pirc Musar urged nations to move beyond geopolitical divisions and uphold international law, describing her nation’s recognition of Palestine as an important step towards realising a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the Middle East.“When Slovenia recognised Palestine a year and a half ago, it was not an easy decision. We were one of the first three European countries, alongside Spain and Ireland, to take that step after many years. But it was the right thing to do, to be on the right side of history,” Dr Pirc Musar told the audience during her lecture, “The Realities of Multipolarism vs the Need for Multilateralism”, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Monday.The lecture formed part of her official visit to Qatar and reflected HBKU’s ongoing commitment to advancing international dialogue on diplomacy and governance. Elected in 2022 as Slovenia’s first woman head of state, Dr Pirc Musar discussed global power dynamics, the erosion of multilateral co-operation, and the moral responsibility of states to act in defence of humanity.Dr Pirc Musar noted that 150 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine, calling the move “a necessary first step” towards equality and dialogue. “If you advocate for a two-state solution,” she said, “don’t you think it is hypocrisy to recognise one state and not the other?”She stressed that Slovenia’s support for Palestine stems from both moral conviction and historical experience. Drawing parallels with the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica, she recalled how the tragedy in the Balkans continues to shape her nation’s empathy toward people suffering under conflict.“The sympathy we have for those who suffer is still alive because of Srebrenica. Watching the situation in Palestine brings back those painful memories,” the Slovenian president said.She also condemned political polarisation within Europe, questioning why human rights and humanitarian principles have become issues of left and right.“Are human rights left or right? They are not,” she said, recounting how she was criticised by right-wing parties after describing the situation in Gaza as genocide before the European Parliament.“I am neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I am for humanity. If we neglect international law, what’s left? Chaos,” Dr Pirc Musar said.Noting that peace requires both justice and equality, she said that recognising Palestinian statehood is not a solution in itself but “a first step” toward building a fair and lasting peace.She pointed out that Israel “deserves to have a state,” but condemned the violations of international law following October 7, questioning Israel’s claims of self-defence on foreign territory.“You have the right to self-defence on your own territory. On foreign territory, the answer is no,” she stressed. Dr Pirc Musar warned that the world today faces more than 65 armed conflicts, the highest number since World War II, and lamented the global community’s inability to stop wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. “That’s where we are today in the 21st century,” she said. Dr Pirc Musar underlined Slovenia’s diplomatic stance as a nation without colonial history and “without hidden agendas.” She called on world leaders to restore faith in multilateralism, pursue dialogue grounded in international law, and commit to peace not as a slogan, but as a shared obligation.“If we want permanent peace and justice, we must offer statehood for Palestine. That is the only way forward,” she said.

Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents a pioneering model of Moral and humanitarian commitment toward Palestine, defending the legitimate political, humanitarian, and developmental rights of its people.In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Samah Hamad said that the continuous support and genuine partnership with the State of Qatar are highly appreciated, as they embody the depth of Arab solidarity and a unified stance in defending Palestinian rights.She explained that Palestine's participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha aligns with its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, with a focus on social protection and ensuring human dignity.The participation aims to highlight the unprecedented social challenges faced by Palestinian families under occupation and to develop innovative solutions to provide social protection and justice for Palestinian households, she added.Regarding the hosting of the Summit in the State of Qatar, she noted its significant implications, as Qatar is recognized for investing in human and social development and for successfully combining economic growth with social justice, strengthening its role as a hub for Arab dialogue on development.The Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs underlined that the State of Qatar plays an influential role in supporting social protection programs, education, healthcare, and humanitarian response during crises. She noted that this support has contributed to enhancing the resilience of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through initiatives for orphans and low-income families, and through development programs implemented in cooperation with the Qatari government, Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development collaborates with Qatari institutions, the United Nations, and civil society to ensure the sustainability of social protection programs through data exchange and a national social registry, ensuring coordination and avoiding duplication in aid delivery, while emphasizing economic empowerment, employment programs, and social and educational services, she added.Regarding the challenges facing Palestine, Dr. Samah Hamad explained that the ministry continues to provide emergency humanitarian, food, and cash assistance to families affected by war and occupation, including orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, alongside implementing psychosocial support programs for children and affected families and activating a joint government operations room to coordinate relief efforts and ensure aid reaches all governorates, including isolated areas in Gaza.She also stressed the importance of building an integrated social solidarity network combining civil society, governments, and donor countries to strengthen social protection for the most vulnerable groups. She added that the issue of orphans remains among the most urgent, with continuous development of care, shelter, protection, and education centers for children in need, alongside unifying orphan data nationally to ensure integration and prevent duplication.On the summit's contribution to enhancing Arab integration, she said that it represents an opportunity to strengthen Arab cooperation in the social field, exchange experiences, and launch collective Arab initiatives to support countries affected by conflicts and crises, foremost among them Palestine, ensuring the protection of human dignity and promoting comprehensive development.Dr. Samah Hamad concluded the interview by expressing deep appreciation to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, for its ongoing support of the Palestinian people at humanitarian, developmental, and political levels, while affirming Palestine's aspiration to continue expanding partnership with Qatar to strengthen Palestinian people's resilience and preserve their human dignity.

Qatar took part in the High‑level Ministerial Meeting on Developments in Palestine, held Monday in Istanbul, Turkiye.HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi represented Qatar at the meeting. AFP adds: Gaza's future must be Palestinian-led and avoid any new system of tutelage, Turkiye and six of its top Muslim allies said after talks in Istanbul."Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security, the international community should support this in the best possible way -- diplomatically, institutionally and economically," Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the talks."Nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge," he told a news conference.The talks involved top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia."We've now reached an extremely critical stage: we do not want the genocide in Gaza to resume," Fidan added, saying all seven nations supported plans for the Palestinians to take control of Gaza's security and governance.He also expressed hope that reconciliation efforts between Hamas and the rival West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, "will bear fruit as soon as possible," saying inter-Palestinian unity would "strengthen Palestine's representation in the international community".Fidan said it was crucial that the emerging International Stabilisation Force that will monitor the Gaza ceasefire under Trump's plan, have a "mandate defined by a UN Security Council resolution and a framework for legitimacy".Washington is currently working with Arab and international partners to decide on the composition of the force, with Turkey hoping to play a role, despite fierce opposition from Israel."The countries we've spoken with say they will decide whether to send troops based on ... the ISF's mandate and authority," Fidan said."First, a general consensus needs to be reached on a draft, then it needs to be approved by the members of the Security Council."And it needs to be free from vetoes by any of the permanent (UNSC) members," he said of a blocking move frequently used by key Israel ally Washington.Israel has long viewed Turkiye's diplomatic overtures with suspicion over Ankara's close ties with Hamas.A Turkish disaster relief team, sent to help efforts to recover the remains of those trapped under the rubble -- including Israeli hostages seized by Hamas -- has been stuck at the border because of Israel's refusal to let them in, according to Ankara.