Qatar announced an additional $100 million pledge for humanitarian aid to Gaza amid ongoing crises. Minister of State for International Cooperation, HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, emphasized the importance of supporting UNRWA, condemning attempts to label it as a terrorist organization, and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people through continuous support.
During the recently held Ministerial Meeting for Key Partners in Support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), coinciding with the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the State of Qatar announced a substantial commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. The Minister of State for International Cooperation, Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, who represented Qatar at the meeting, articulated the nation’s pledge of an additional $100 million aimed at alleviating the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. In her address, Her Excellency emphasized the critical need for a unified global response in support of UNRWA, identifying it as a pivotal actor in delivering essential humanitarian aid amidst ongoing challenges, including actions by the Israeli government that have exacerbated the situation in the region. Her Excellency expressed pride in Qatar’s long-standing support of UNRWA, recalling that Qatar was among the first countries to endorse the Statement of Shared Commitments concerning the agency. She firmly rejected any attempts to label UNRWA as a terrorist entity, describing such efforts as “extremely dangerous and an onset of uncontrollable evil.” Further, she highlighted Qatar’s continuous increase in contributions, stating that since 2018, Qatar has been the first Arab nation to enter into a multi-year agreement with UNRWA to provide consistent support. Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to coordinate with UNRWA to enhance humanitarian assistance efforts, which are crucial given the recent escalations of violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, resulting in significant humanitarian distress and regional instability. She added that this year’s discussions were particularly critical due to the ongoing Israeli operations, which have created a deeper humanitarian disaster in the area.
In recent years, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated due to ongoing conflicts and the blockade imposed by Israel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a vital role in providing assistance and services, including education, health care, and emergency aid, to Palestinian refugees. Qatar has emerged as a significant supporter of UNRWA, providing substantial financial assistance and collaborating on various humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. The continuous conflict and socio-political challenges in the region necessitate a robust international response to address the humanitarian needs effectively.
In conclusion, Qatar’s pledge of an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid underscores its ongoing commitment to support the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, amid heightened humanitarian crises. By reinforcing its alliance with UNRWA and advocating for a unified international stance, Qatar strives to provide crucial assistance to those in need and to counter the attempts to hamper the agency’s vital work. This action reflects not only Qatar’s humanitarian philosophy but also highlights the urgency for collective global efforts to address the dire situations arising from ongoing conflicts in the region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
