Doha: Al-Watan newspaper’s editorial has condemned the Israeli occupation’s killing of 15 humanitarian workers in Rafah, a city located in the southern Gaza Strip, calling for an urgent and transparent international investigation into what it described as a “horrific crime.” The newspaper has urged for decisions that match the gravity of this act.
According to Qatar News Agency, the editorial titled “Crime Against Humanity” emphasized that international law, particularly the Geneva Convention, mandates the protection of medical personnel during conflicts. It is clearly stipulated that both military and civilian medical personnel must be safeguarded under all circumstances. Therefore, any intentional attacks on healthcare workers or medical facilities are classified as war crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and Article 85 of the 1977 Protocol I.
The newspaper further elaborated on the violation of international law by the Israeli forces in targeting civilians, especially medical personnel and entities marked with symbols like the Red Cross and Red Crescent. These groups are crucial during hostilities as they carry out vital humanitarian work, and international humanitarian law grants them special protection under Protocol I of the Geneva Convention.
Meanwhile, Al-Sharq newspaper focused on Qatar’s role in the Inter-American Development Banks (IDBs) meetings in Santiago, Chile. Here, Qatar reiterated its dedication to supporting strategic economic development projects. Under the headline “Continued Qatari Support for Low-Income Countries,” the editorial underscored Qatar’s commitment to regional integration and strategic investments that foster sustainable and inclusive development.
The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) emphasized its dedication to enhancing private sector participation and ensuring investments meet local community needs. By fostering regional partnerships and innovative sustainable investments, QFFD aims to build a prosperous future, aligning with Qatar’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The editorial concludes by highlighting QFFD’s pivotal role in global sustainable development, supporting initiatives focused on economic and social growth, particularly in low-income nations, as part of Qatar’s broader international cooperation strategy.