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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people in their just struggle to restore their land, safeguard their holy sites, and secure their inalienable rights, stressing that this position reflects a moral and fraternal duty grounded in the principles of justice, freedom, and the right of peoples to self-determination. His Highness the Amir emphasised that the Palestinian cause, with its firmly established principles, remains a fundamental test of the fairness of the prevailing international order and its commitment to international law and legitimacy. The statement was delivered in a message from His Highness the Amir on the occasion of the annual celebration organized by the United Nations Office in Vienna to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message was read on his behalf by Jassim Yaqoub al-Hammadi, Ambassador of Qatar and its Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna. In the message, His Highness the Amir expressed his pleasure at addressing the occasion, which was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in its 1977 resolution to affirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their natural right to self-determination and to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. His Highness noted that the day serves as an opportunity to honour the steadfast struggle of the Palestinian people and to send a clear message to their sons and daughters that the world does not forget their just cause, nor their prolonged suffering and pain. He added that the day also serves as a message to the international community and its free peoples, reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under international law and of the necessity of upholding the principles of international law and the international order. His Highness the Amir said that the excessive use of force against the unarmed Palestinian people, along with the continued double standards in the enforcement of international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law with regard to Palestine, undermines confidence in the international community and encourages further violations. While welcoming the voices of conscience and the forces of peace around the world, His Highness stressed that the Palestinian cause is not an issue of terrorism, but rather the cause of a people living under a prolonged occupation that must come to an end, affirming that only a just peace can guarantee security for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. His Highness further stated that the developments witnessed over the past two years, including the unprecedented escalation of violence, repressive measures, and Israeli violations against the brotherly Palestinian people, place a moral and legal responsibility on the international community to support a just settlement of the Palestinian issue. He added that these developments further underscore the urgent need to intensify efforts to ensure protection for the Palestinian people and their holy sites. His Highness the Amir added that the unprecedented human tragedies that have unfolded in the Gaza Strip, and whose repercussions have extended to the West Bank and the wider region, have laid bare the urgent need to put an end to the historical injustice endured by the Palestinian people. He said that for more than two years, Qatar has worked with determination and perseverance, exerting every possible effort through responsible mediation to facilitate reaching an agreement that would bring an end to the brutal Israeli war and the resulting bloodshed and unprecedented human suffering, in a manner that lays the foundation for a political path toward a just and comprehensive peace. His Highness also reviewed the efforts exerted by Qatar, in coordination with other countries in the region, to end the war on Gaza. He said that following the declaration signed with the presidents of the United States, Egypt, and Turkiye on October 13 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the success of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the US peace initiative adopted by the UN Security Council has become a collective responsibility that requires ensuring its full implementation in order to achieve peace and stability. In this context, His Highness stressed that the international community must redouble its efforts to attain a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian cause, noting that the entire world has now come to realize that the status quo is no longer viable and that occupation cannot be peaceful or civilized. He affirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only path to peace in Palestine, Israel, and the entire region. His Highness the Amir reiterated his welcome of the adoption of the "New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." He also commended the growing wave of international recognition of the State of Palestine by more than 150 countries, noting that this reflects an international consensus in support of the establishment of the Palestinian state and its right to full membership in the United Nations. His Highness further emphasized that the Gaza Strip remains an integral part of the Palestinian territories and the State of Palestine. His Highness also condemned all unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and entrench annexation and settlement activity, including Israeli laws that seek to impose so-called "sovereignty" over the West Bank and plans for settlement expansion. He reiterated Qatar's strong condemnation of the repeated attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem are null and void under international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. His Highness the Amir affirmed that Qatar remains firmly committed to providing various forms of political and humanitarian support to the brotherly Palestinian people and to highlighting their just cause. In this context, His Highness noted that following the signing of the peace agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, Qatar swiftly moved to extend assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, including support for the Gaza Municipality through the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza to remove rubble and reopen streets, in addition to providing tens of thousands of shelter tents, as well as food and medical supplies. He added that Qatar will continue to fulfill its humanitarian and fraternal duty toward the Palestinian people through sustained humanitarian, relief, and development support, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has endured a siege for seventeen years under severe Israeli restrictions on the movement of people and goods. His Highness expressed appreciation to the United Nations and its Secretary-General for the pivotal role and indispensable efforts exerted by the international organization, its agencies, and partners in providing support to the brotherly Palestinian people, including Palestinian refugees. He also commended the great sacrifices made by United Nations staff in the Gaza Strip, especially UNRWA. His Highness noted that Qatar has continued its financial contributions to the agency to support the pivotal role it plays in the international response to the Gaza crisis. His Highness concluded the message by expressing his appreciation to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (UNSCIIP), and the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights, commending their efforts in highlighting the Palestinian cause and mobilizing international support for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has held discussions in Ramallah with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, focusing on political developments and the situation on the ground in Gaza, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.Mustafa reiterated that the Palestinian Authority holds full mandate and sovereignty over all Palestinian territories, stressing that any future transitional arrangements must be co-ordinated directly with Palestinian institutions. His comments come as international actors explore post-conflict scenarios for Gaza.The prime minister welcomed global efforts to support relief, recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, highlighting the importance of the Arab-Palestinian recovery framework, which he said enjoys broad international backing.He also renewed his call for Denmark to recognise the State of Palestine, arguing that such a step would contribute to regional peace and stability.Rasmussen's visit is part of a wider European engagement with the region amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise Gaza and revive political dialogue. 

Qatar Foundation’s Awsaj Academy marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People through a cultural and humanitarian event that brought together its students and several Palestinians evacuated from Gaza. The initiative sought to deepen awareness of Palestinian heritage and highlight the stories of resilience demonstrated by the people of the Gaza Strip. Held at Awsaj Academy’s theatre and surrounding outdoor areas, the event drew a wide audience of students’ families, the school community, and visitors. It offered an integrated blend of cultural expression and humanitarian reflection, providing students with a meaningful opportunity to explore Palestinian culture and engage with the lived experiences of Gaza’s residents within an educational context. The programme included artistic and cultural performances such as the traditional Palestinian ‘Dabka’, alongside an exhibition of artwork, crafts, and handmade pieces representing Palestinian identity. The outdoor spaces featured sculptures symbolising Palestine, as well as booths showcasing heritage products and photographs documenting the humanitarian realities faced by Gazans. Maryam al-Subaie, events and activities coordinator and teacher of Qatari History and Heritage at Awsaj Academy, underscored the importance of such initiatives, saying: “At Awsaj Academy, we are committed to ensuring that educational activities serve as platforms that strengthen our students’ humanitarian awareness and connect them to global issues through direct experience. “The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People provided a valuable opportunity to instill the values of empathy and responsibility, and to broaden students’ understanding of what communities around the world are going through. “This event also highlighted how art, culture, and storytelling can serve as bridges that bring people together and promote respect for human diversity. We believe that such activities strengthen our students’ sense of belonging and humanity, broaden their perspectives, and nurture their social and emotional development.” Al-Subaie emphasised that the significance of the event extended beyond celebrating heritage, as it helped instill a sense of responsibility in students and expand their understanding of their role in addressing humanitarian causes. “We want our students to understand that solidarity is not merely a momentary stance but a value expressed through action, listening, engagement, and understanding,” she said. “This reflects the essence of holistic education at QF, education that broadens perspectives, deepens awareness, and cultivates students’ moral and ethical consciousness,” added al-Subaie.    

Qatar took part in an event organised Sunday by the General Secretariat of the Arab League at its headquarters in Cairo to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the Arab League, Maryam Ahmed al-Shaibi, led Qatar’s delegation to the event.The event was held in response to the UNGA resolution issued in 1977 to revive this day annually, with the aim of reaffirming the just Palestinian cause and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to end the occupation and restore freedom and independence.It underscores their independent and sovereign statehood, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.Overall, the event featured solidarity speeches and the screening of a short film prepared by the General Secretariat, showcasing the plight of the Palestinian people, marked by decades-long ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and deprivation of their right to self-determination due to the long-standing injustice caused by the persistent Israeli occupation.The event was intended to highlight the role of those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights across the world, in addition to their steadfast commitment to the principles of humanity, justice, and respect for human rights.Alongside this event, a fine art exhibition was staged, featuring photographs spotlighting the Palestinian cause, in collaboration with the General Secretariat and the Permanent Mission of the State of Palestine to the Arab League.The event also included the honouring of several institutions in recognition of their efforts to support the Palestinian people, as well as some segments of the Palestinian community for their resilience and sacrifices. 

A vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during a visit to Bethlehem more than a decade ago has been transformed into a mobile health clinic that Christian leaders hope will soon be used to provide care to Palestinian children in Gaza.The initiative was blessed by Francis before he died in April and was entrusted to the Catholic organisation Caritas, which oversaw the project to convert the vehicle unveiled Tuesday."We're pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the healthcare of children in Gaza," Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton told a press conference in Bethlehem.Francis had used the vehicle, a converted Mitsubishi pick-up that was donated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014.The open platform at the back of the vehicle, where the Pope once stood as he travelled through Bethlehem, has now been enclosed and converted into the children's treatment area."This vehicle stands as a testimony that the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza," said Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, who had approached Francis before his death about Caritas' idea of converting the former popemobile into a mobile paediatric clinic.Caritas Sweden Secretary-General Peter Brune said that the mobile clinic was capable of treating around 200 children a day.But it was unclear when the vehicle would enter Gaza, where a ceasefire still formally holds despite frequent Israeli airstrikes on the territory battered by two years of war."As soon as we possibly can," Dutton said, declining to comment further. Cogat, the Israeli government agency responsible for co-ordinating the entry of aid into the enclave, declined to comment when asked about the request.Father Ibrahim Faltas said he hoped the vehicle would be moved to Gaza in the "near future", telling Reuters the popemobile-turned-clinic was ready to help children in Gaza.The United Nations children's agency Unicef said on Friday that at least 67 children have been killed in what it called conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire went into effect.The Israeli military has said that it was targeting fighters who have posed a threat to its soldiers occupying half of Gaza.Francis frequently spoke out about the war in Gaza and in January called the humanitarian situation there "shameful".He was also known to speak by phone with Gaza's small Christian community every evening during the war. "We know how much Pope Francis loved the people of the Holy Land, the people of Bethlehem and especially the people of Gaza," said Father Faltas, representative of the Franciscan Friars to the State of Palestine.

The United Nations General Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) has adopted a draft resolution titled 'Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,' with 152 votes in favor, 8 against, and 12 abstentions.The draft resolution reaffirms a set of principles and foundations related to Palestinian natural resources, including the applicability of the Geneva Convention related to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.The resolution also refers to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the occupied territory. It further recalls the ICJ's advisory opinion on the segregation and expansion wall.The draft resolution expresses deep concern over Israel's exploitation of Palestinian natural resources and the destruction it causes to Palestinian land and agriculture, as well as the widespread devastation of agricultural structures and infrastructure, particularly those related to water and electricity supply, especially in the Gaza Strip. It further highlights the harmful effects of illegal settlements on all aspects of Palestinian life.The draft resolution reaffirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their natural resources and calls on the Israeli occupation to cease its exploitation of those resources. It also affirms the right of the Palestinian people to claim compensation for Israel's exploitation of their resources. Moreover, it stresses that the construction of settlements, the separation wall, and other related activities by the occupying power are detrimental to the Palestinian environment.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad held a virtual meeting Wednesday with members of the Palestinian government operations room, chaired by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine.The talks reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Palestine and addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.Discussions focused on easing the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Gaza, enhancing partnerships in development and knowledge exchange, and coordinating the entry and distribution of aid, particularly ahead of the winter season.The meeting was part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and around 48 humanitarian organizations and officials took part in the discussions.Meanwhile, 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 issued in Geneva, 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.

An organisation representing international media in Israel and the Palestinian territories Monday condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on journalists in the occupied West Bank, urging Israeli authorities to halt the "violence immediately".The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents hundreds of foreign journalists, said it was "appalled" by the recent attacks, especially during this year's olive harvest."Journalists, both local and foreign, have proven to be a clear target as they document an unprecedented level of unchecked violence against Palestinians during this year's olive harvest," the association said, citing two incidents involving journalists from international media outlets.The FPA said that on Saturday two employees of Reuters wearing clearly marked press vests and helmets were assaulted by masked Israeli civilians armed with clubs and rocks near the Palestinian village of Beita."A mob of dozens of settlers beat one of the employees, a female reporter, while she was already on the ground, resulting in severe injuries," the FPA said."They also attacked those who tried to help her. A Reuters security person was hit, and two Palestinian freelance journalists were injured while being chased." On October 10, settlers beat a veteran AFP photographer with sticks when filming the olive harvest in the same area.His car, along with a handful of others parked at a safe distance from the field, was stoned and then set on fire by the assailants."The photographer, who testified it was one of the worst attacks in his 30-year career, reported that Israeli forces at the scene refused to intervene, instead firing rubber bullets and tear gas at olive pickers and activists accompanying them," the FPA said.Several such incidents have occurred in the last few weeks, the FPA added."Israeli forces routinely harass and intimidate journalists, in some cases detaining them and threatening them with deportation," the FPA said."This is all part of a deepening climate of hostility toward the media by Israeli authorities," it added, urging the authorities to investigate the incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable."In particular, we urge central command head Major General Avi Bluth and police commander Moshe Pinchi to uphold their duties to ensure that journalists can work freely and safely," the association said."There cannot be press freedom in an environment in which journalists are threatened and harmed with complete impunity." When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military did not give an immediate response.An AFP journalist serves on the FPA's board of directors.Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and Israeli settlements there are expanding. Some 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the Palestinian territory and some of them have also attacked farmers trying to access their olive trees almost every day this year since the season began in mid-October, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.Almost none of the perpetrators have been held to account by the Israeli authorities. Violence in the West Bank has soared since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023.

Qatar Charity has announced the arrival of a new batch of Qatari relief aid to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, in support of the brotherly Palestinian people.In a statement, Qatar Charity said the shipment includes 2,790 shelter tents in addition to essential humanitarian supplies, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).**media[379092]**The organisation explained that this batch comes as part of the ongoing aid efforts previously dispatched under the maritime bridge established by Qatar. It reflects Qatar's swift response to urgent humanitarian needs and its continued commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Two Palestinian workers were wounded on Wednesday after being brutally assaulted by Israeli occupation forces in the town of Al Ram, north of occupied Jerusalem. Security sources told WAFA that the workers, both from the Qalqilya governorate, were attacked during an Israeli military incursion on Al-Ram and their pursuit of workers near the apartheid wall. The two workers were later transferred to the Palestine Medical Complex for medical treatment. In recent months, hundreds of Palestinian workers have been killed, arrested, and abused by the Israeli army and police under the pretext of lacking permits.

Qatar wants the Palestinian Authority (PA) to be the single agency for the Palestinians to take care of Gaza and the West Bank, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has said. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, he said there were ongoing talks between all the Palestinian factions, including the Fatah and the PA, in order to make sure that this is a technocratic committee, it’s apolitical.“It will take care of Gaza in this transition period, and it will be linked somehow to the Palestinian Authority, and once the reforms are in place, the Palestinian Authority should take over the governance in Gaza and the West Bank together.”Regarding the role that the international forces in Gaza should play, HE Sheikh Mohammed observed that “there should be a defined mandate”, and Qatar is working together with the US in order to define that mandate. The role of the international forces should be “securing the Palestinians and the Israelis don’t pose a threat to each other”. At the outset, HE the Prime Minister stated that the “Gaza ceasefire is a very complex deal”. And despite the ceasefire - we had even in the previous ceasefire, which was in January - we had a lot of violations and a lot of Palestinians being killed during that ceasefire.Observing that the violations are happening everyday, he said that Qatar, together with Egypt and the US, are working together very closely in order to make sure that the ceasefire stays intact. Regarding Qatar’s history of successfully mediating international conflicts, HE Sheikh Mohammed was of the view that each country needs to contribute something to the international community. “We found that we are able to convene between conflicted parties and understand the grievances between them, and try to address them step by step. And we’ve built a track record of credibility, honesty and transparency with those parties.That’s what makes Qatar a destination for mediation.” Asked about relations with Iran, HE the Prime Minister pointed out that Qatar shares the largest gas field in the world with Iran. “We would like to see Iran flourishing, developing and prospering and, of course, we don’t want to see an arms race in our region. We don’t want to see a nuclear race in our region. That’s why we’ve been supporting diplomacy all the time, and hoped that Iran reached a deal with the US and the Europeans in order to get its nuclear programme under supervision and to make sure that it’s a peaceful programme.”Describing the US as Qatar’s ally, HE Sheikh Mohammed said the relationship has been developing in a lot of areas, not only in security and defence, but also in energy, economy and education, in many aspects. “When you look at the security guarantees that we got from US, this is a guarantee for the US interest as well, which are in the region, which are in Qatar, either it’s about the air base... where we are hosting more than 10,000 US soldiers.” Also referring to the presence of American universities and energy companies in Qatar, he asserted that the security guarantee is just a demonstration of the strategic relationship with the US.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced early Monday the martyrdom of a Palestinian who succumbed to critical wounds he sustained from Israeli gunfire Sunday night in Beit Furik town, east of Nablus in the occupied West Bank.The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that a 19-year-old youth was shot in the chest with live ammunition during an Israeli raid on Beit Furik, noting that its team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation while transporting him to the hospital, describing his condition as critical.Cities, towns, and refugee camps across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem continue to witness daily raids and incursions by the Israeli occupation forces, often accompanied by confrontations, arrests, and the firing of live and rubber bullets, as well as toxic tear gas canisters targeting Palestinian civilians. The frequency and intensity of these operations have escalated since the onset of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.