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The State of Qatar participated in the 10th meeting of Permanent Representatives to the League of Arab States and Ambassadors of the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the European Union (EU), held today in Brussels.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Maryam Ahmed Al Shaibi.The meeting discussed the course of the Arab-European dialogue and ways to strengthen political and security consultation channels in light of the rapid regional and international developments. They also reviewed the most prominent issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, in addition to the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen and their humanitarian and security implications. The meeting also followed up on issues of security in the Red Sea, water security, migration, refugees and displaced persons, and the Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions on regional and international security.In this context, Al Shaibi affirmed the State of Qatar's firm commitment to continuing its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to support the Palestinian people, stressing that dialogue and a political solution are the only way to end the conflict and achieve a just and comprehensive peace.She also reviewed Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts in coordination with both the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, which resulted in previous understandings and truces, prisoner and hostage exchanges, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, noting that the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit represented a turning point that resulted in a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.Al Shaibi expressed Qatar's appreciation to regional and international partners for their cooperation, stressing Doha's commitment to continuing to work towards achieving a just and sustainable peace that preserves the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. She also emphasized that humanitarian efforts are inseparable from political solutions, and that ending the suffering of the Palestinians requires a cessation of aggression and urgent international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.The State of Qatar will remain committed to its approach as a mediating and peace-making state, whose wise leadership dedicates its efforts to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means, alleviating the suffering in the Gaza Strip, and creating the appropriate conditions for the return of displaced persons to their lands, Al Shaibi added.Regarding developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Al Shaibi affirmed that the State of Qatar has adopted a firm stance since the outbreak of the crisis based on prioritizing peaceful and diplomatic solutions. She stated that the State of Qatar has believed since the start that ending the conflict cannot be achieved through military force, but rather through dialogue, respect for international law, and the sovereignty of states.She emphasized that the humanitarian dimension was a key focus of Doha's actions, as the State of Qatar provided USD 100 million in aid to support the Ukrainian people, including the rehabilitation of health and educational infrastructure, the provision of drinking water, mine clearance, and the rehabilitation of agricultural lands.Al Shaibi added that Qatar also provided 50 scholarships to Ukrainian students, believing that education is the cornerstone for building the future, and contributed to reuniting hundreds of children with their families. In April 2024, Qatar received a number of Ukrainian families as part of an integrated care and support program, in addition to supporting efforts to document and exchange prisoners' letters.Al Shaibi concluded her remarks by emphasizing Qatar's readiness to participate in any regional or international efforts aimed at achieving an urgent and peaceful solution to the crisis, stating that Qatar will continue to call for dialogue and restraint, and to keep communication channels open in order to achieve security and stability.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has urged the opening of all crossings into the devastated Gaza Strip to expand humanitarian operations, stressing the urgent need to scale up life-saving assistance.WFP stated that nearly one million people in Gaza have received food aid since the ceasefire came into effect but emphasized that current access is insufficient to meet the vast humanitarian needs on the ground.WFP spokesperson Abeer Atefa said in a statement: "Three and a half weeks after the ceasefire in Gaza, we have distributed food parcels to nearly one million people across the entire Strip." She stressed the importance of opening more crossings and expanding humanitarian access within the Strip."To scale up our operations to the required level and in line with our commitments, we need better access, including opening more border crossings and allowing the use of main roads within Gaza," she said, noting that the WFP aims to reach 1.6 million people."We still have only two border crossings operational," the WFP spokesperson added, calling for the opening of crossings to northern Gaza to stabilize markets and meet the population's needs.The World Food Programme (WFP) currently operates 44 food distribution centers in the sector, out of 145 it aims to operate. The Israeli occupation authorities have repeatedly cut off aid to Gaza during the aggression against the Strip since October 2023, which exacerbated humanitarian conditions that the United Nations previously described as catastrophic. Before the ceasefire, the international organization warned of famine in some areas of the besieged Strip.

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.

The State of Qatar has dispatched urgent relief and humanitarian aid to the city of Al Dabbah in the Northern State of the Republic of the Sudan, as part of its firm commitment to supporting the Sudanese people, particularly amid the difficult humanitarian conditions faced by civilians, including severe food shortages and an increasing need for shelter and essential supplies.**media[376433]**The aid includes approximately 3,000 food baskets, 1,650 shelter tents, and other essential items, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Charity, to support displaced persons from the city of Al-Fashir and nearby areas.The assistance is expected to benefit more than 50,000 people and includes the establishment of a special camp for Qatari aid under the name “Qatar Al-Khair.”This initiative comes as part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to stand by the people of Sudan and alleviate their suffering caused by the armed conflict.It also reflects Qatar’s leading humanitarian role in strengthening global response efforts and fostering solidarity with affected communities around the world.**media[376432]**

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to the State of Qatar, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel.Discussion during the meeting focussed on cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to the situation of displaced persons from Sudan.Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized the importance of adhering to the protection of civilians and ensuring the provision of essential services to them, especially in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in conflict-affected areas. She stressed the need to strengthen international and regional efforts to coordinate the humanitarian response and support the most vulnerable groups.Her Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar's unwavering support for the Sudanese people and its continued support for all initiatives aimed at achieving peace and alleviating the suffering of civilians in Sudan and neighboring countries.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad held a phone call with the Ministry of State at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Salma Ishaq Al Khalifa, who is also responsible for the issue of violence against women. The call discussed the humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly the latest developments in El Fasher city, and the need to protect women and children.

Organised by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) in partnership with the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), the conference on knowledge management: enhancing humanitarian action effectiveness kicked off Tuesday. With the participation of a distinguished lineup of experts and specialists from Qatar and beyond, the conference aims to explore ways to develop knowledge management in the humanitarian and development sectors, and to showcase leading regional and international experiences in this field. In his opening remarks, Director of Licensing and Support at RACA Rashid Mohammed al-Nuaimi highlighted that the conference comes as part of RACA's ongoing efforts to enhance response efficiency and the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions, especially during times of crisis. He noted that the application of knowledge management in the humanitarian field still requires deeper understanding and adaptation to local and regional contexts. He also called for greater investment in this area and the establishment of institutional systems and practices to anchor knowledge management as a strategic asset that supports innovation, good governance, and improved performance in humanitarian organisations. Al-Nuaimi added that through this conference, RACA seeks to promote a shared understanding of knowledge management concepts within the humanitarian and development context, to identify and analyse key challenges, and to benefit from local and international experiences in developing effective and sustainable strategies for the sector. The Director of Licensing and Support at RACA said that the conference aligns with the humanitarian and charitable sector strategy 2025-2030, which aims to empower nonprofit organisations in Qatar with tools for institutional excellence, while strengthening innovation and integration across their operations. Director of CHS Dr Ghassan Elkahlout praised the ongoing partnership between CHS and RACA, noting that the conference serves as a scientific and professional platform for exchanging expertise and building a deeper understanding of the role of knowledge management in improving humanitarian response. Dr Elkahlout said knowledge exchange among humanitarian work actors is a key pillar for policy development, enhancing field work efficiency, and improving humanitarian institution governance. The first day of the conference featured panel discussions on global concepts and standards of knowledge management in humanitarian work, where participants underscored the importance of building an institutional culture grounded in knowledge and innovation, and of developing systems that support the quality and sustainability of humanitarian efforts. The conference will continue showcasing Qatari experiences in humanitarian knowledge management and decision-making support, along with practical applications in knowledge management and discussions on localising global best practices to suit the specific needs of Qatar's and the region's humanitarian sectors. RACA aims, through this conference, to consolidate Qatar's position as a key hub in the development of humanitarian practices and the enhancement of their efficiency, by building institutional systems that adopt knowledge management as a strategic tool for innovation and performance improvement. This approach aligns with the humanitarian and charitable sector strategy 2025-2030 and contributes to achieving Qatar's National Vision for Sustainable Development. (QNA)

The British Foreign Office expressed concern over the escalation carried out by the Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip. "The escalation today in Gaza is deeply concerning," Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement. "The ceasefire must hold, and humanitarian aid must get through to those in need." Cooper called on all parties to respect US President Donald Trump's peace plan to avoid further bloodshed. Dozens of Palestinians were killed earlier in intensive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, the most significant violation of the ceasefire agreement signed on October 9. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Israel decided to close all crossings into the Strip but later reversed its decision.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and developing mechanisms for coordination and integration between both sides.This came during a meeting hosted by the NHRC at its headquarters in Doha, attended by a delegation from the NCIHL, led by its Vice-Chairman Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, along with several officials from both entities.The meeting discussed the interrelation between international humanitarian law and human rights approaches, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the NHRC in this field, particularly concerning human rights in armed conflicts and support for vulnerable and marginalised groups.Both sides agreed to sign a joint cooperation agreement following a study of shared priorities and annual projects that could be implemented, contributing to the development of coordination mechanisms.They also agreed to form a joint technical team to draft the agreement, which will result in a clear executive agenda for implementing activities and events related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Kuwait will host next Wednesday the first Gulf Red Crescent Conference on Artificial Intelligence, marking a pioneering step toward establishing a unified Gulf vision for leveraging AI in humanitarian work and regional cooperation. The two-day conference, held in collaboration with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will take place under the theme: "Towards New Horizons in Humanitarian Work and Development Media — Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence." The event also coincides with Gulf Red Crescent Day, observed annually on October 23, and will feature a distinguished lineup of experts and specialists from GCC countries and beyond, alongside representatives from international humanitarian organizations. The conference aims to explore the potential of AI in enhancing humanitarian and relief programs. It will include a series of main sessions addressing diverse topics, notably the use of AI in collecting and analyzing humanitarian data, early warning and rapid response systems, data challenges in humanitarian operations, as well as ethical and legal dimensions of applying these technologies in relief environments. Sessions will also examine the deployment of AI in relief work, showcase experiences from national Gulf associations in this field, and highlight initiatives that utilize these technologies in health, environmental, and social awareness campaigns. In addition, the conference will feature the launch of a Gulf digital initiative and host a Gulf workshop to train media personnel in humanitarian and relief work. The workshop will cover topics such as humanitarian reporting during crises, field coverage skills, and a training session on producing impactful digital humanitarian content and documentation.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna said that UNRWA has been unable to bring in any of the humanitarian supplies allocated to the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire coming into effect days before. Abu Hasna stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian work within the Gaza Strip and must lead the response there. He added that excluding UNRWA from humanitarian efforts in Gaza means the collapse of this process, as well as people's lack of trust in it. He explained that UNRWA employees continue to carry out their work despite the difficulties, but they have been prevented by the Israeli occupation from distributing food aid. Until now, Israel has not allowed UNRWA to bring in food and non-food aid, which is contained in 6,000 trucks waiting at the gates of the Gaza Strip. These trucks contain food supplies sufficient for the residents of the Gaza Strip for three months, he added. UNRWA also has hundreds of thousands of blankets, tents and clothes, as well as large quantities of medicine, Abu Hasna added. He stressed that these items must enter so that the agency can truly confront the harsh and dangerous conditions in the Strip, which are still deteriorating now. The war has stopped, the shooting has stopped, but unfortunately there are new aspects to this war, which is the continuation of the suffering, Abu Hasna stressed.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Wednesday that Israel should immediately open crossings into Gaza for humanitarian aid as part of a ceasefire agreement."We've been calling for unhindered access," Fletcher said in an interview in Cairo, adding that "it should happen now. We want it to happen immediately as part of this agreement", referring to the deal between Israel and Hamas.US President Donald Trump and regional leaders on Monday signed a declaration in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to cement the deal."But the test of this agreement is not the photos and the press conferences and the interviews. The test is that we have children fed, that we have anaesthetics in the hospitals for people getting treatment, that we have tents over people's heads," Fletcher said.The war sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel led to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with the densely-populated territory reliant on aid that was heavily restricted by Israel, when not cut off outright.At the end of August, the United Nations declared a famine in Gaza, though Israel rejected the declaration.The return of aid is listed in Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza.Fletcher called for all crossings to be opened, and said that in Sharm el-Sheikh, Trump and other world leaders "were unequivocal that we must be allowed to deliver aid at massive scale".On Thursday, Fletcher is to go to the lifeline Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to see preparations there.The crossing remained shut on Wednesday despite reports that it could reopen to aid convoys, as Israel insisted Hamas hand over the remains of the last deceased hostages it holds."I don't know at this stage whether the crossing will open for sure," Fletcher said, adding that teams were also "working to clear the road on the other side".Fletcher said what had aid had entered so far was "a fraction of what's needed", with just "tens of trucks on a good day rather than the hundreds of trucks" required."There's a sense of complete urgency to this," Fletcher said."We are determined to get in there, stop the starvation, rebuild the health sector, clear the rubble and start to give people hope of a better life."