Israeli forces have expanded their ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, forcing Palestinians to flee southward for safety.
Qatar has strongly condemned the large-scale ground offensive launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, calling it a violation of international law and an escalation of the ongoing conflict.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the military operation as an “extension of the war of genocide” and warned that it would lead to further civilian casualties and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the Israeli occupation is seeking to undermine the prospects for peace in the region through systematic plans that pose a threat to both regional and international peace and security.”
“These include its brutal genocidal war on Gaza, as well as its settlement, colonial, and racist policies based on a logic of arrogance, aggression, and treachery.”
“The State of Qatar considers the expansion of the ground aggression a dangerous indicator of the continuation of the policy of collective punishment against civilians,” the statement read.
The ministry called on the international community to take urgent action to stop the hostilities and ensure protection for civilians.
The Israeli military launched a new phase of ground invasion in Gaza this week, expanding and focusing on densely populated areas in the besieged enclave.
Israeli forces stated the aim of the operation is to “dismantle Hamas military infrastructure and secure the release of Israeli hostages believed to be held in the territory”.
Israeli operations in northern Gaza have forced thousands of Palestinians to flee toward the south in search of safety.
Israel’s genocide on Gaza has killed at least 64,964 people and wounded 165,312 since October 2023, though thousands more are believed to still be stuck under the rubble.
A recent United Nations inquiry concluded that Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza constitutes to a genocide.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory found that high-level Israeli officials, President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are responsible for genocidal actions.
“The Commission concludes that the Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have the genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” the report detailed.
