Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned “Israeli violations of the ceasefire” in a speech opening a session of the Shura Council legislative body, the Times of Israel reported the morning of Oct. 21. “We reiterate our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life [and] the continued violation of the ceasefire,” he said.
ToI complained that al Thani made no mention of “Hamas actions breaching the ceasefire, including its deadly attack on Sunday in which two IDF soldiers were killed,” but neither did ToI note that Israel had already killed dozens of Palestinians before then and was refusing to allow in relief supplies as required by the Sharm el Sheikh agreement. A total of 986 aid trucks have entered the coastal enclave since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10, out of the 6,600 trucks that were supposed to arrive by Monday evening, Oct. 20, Gaza’s Government Media Office said, Al Jazeera’s live update page reports early on Oct. 21.
“We emphasize that these limited quantities do not cover the minimum humanitarian and living needs, and that the Gaza Strip is in dire need of an urgent and regular flow of no less than [600] aid trucks daily, including food, medical and relief supplies, operating fuel and cooking gas, to ensure the minimum requirements for a decent life,” it said.
Al Jazeera also further reported the following from Al Thani’s speech:
“Israel has violated all laws and norms governing relations between states through its aggression against a country playing a mediating role, and by attempting to assassinate members of the negotiating delegation,” he said. “We considered this aggression an act of state terrorism, and the global response was strong enough to shock the perpetrators.”
“We make commendable efforts in mediation and humanitarian work, which has strengthened Qatar’s position and resilience,” the emir said, adding that despite the two attacks on Qatar—by Israel and Iran in June this year—it has “emerged stronger and more resilient.”
