Updated to reflect everyone is welcome to attend, and with comment from the Palestinian ambassador.
As the latest bombing campaign by Israel into the Gaza Strip continues into its seventh day, the number of Palestinians killed in the blasts has now surpassed 170 people.
Calls from the international community for a cease-fire between the Israeli government and the Hamas-led Palestinians have been growing, but there appears to be no truce in sight.
In light of the bloodshed, several Qatar residents are planning to hold a protest on Tuesday evening in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The event appears to be part of a worldwide effort to draw attention to the bloodshed.
The Palestinian embassy in Doha has confirmed that an organized protest rally would take place in front of its inside its gates in the Diplomatic area (near West Bay petrol station) from 8pm to 9pm 10pm on Tuesday.
Google Maps incorrectly indicates that the embassy is in Abu Hamour.
On Monday, an official speaking to Doha News said that only men would be allowed to attend. However, during a visit to the embassy on Tuesday morning, a representative said all are welcome.
The embassy is situated in a villa tucked into a residential area, and it is unclear how many people can be crowded into the event.
Speaking to Doha News on Tuesday, Ambassador Munir Ghannam stressed that the event was not a protest, but rather a show of solidarity. The embassy was only hosting the event, he added, which is being organized by a group of young people.
Political protests in Qatar are rare, and typically must be pre-approved by the government. But in recent years, residents have congregated to rally for causes in Egypt, Syria and Libya. And state-approved events for Palestine have also been organized in the past.
Charitable contributions
In addition to the expression of solidarity, humanitarian aid is in much demand, following the destruction of homes and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
Local organization such as Qatar Charity, Eid Charity and Qatar Red Crescent have all set up ways for people to donate.
Here are some ways to contribute to the relief effort:
Qatar Charity
QC has primarily been providing aid through the distribution of food parcels in the Gaza Strip. While charity will accept any donation – from clothing to furniture to gold, a representative there said that monetary contributions are especially appreciated.
Residents can donate cash by stopping at QC booths in one of Qatar’s malls, or items at Qatar Charity’s main office, which is located behind The Mall in Al Hilal. Ramadan office hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm, and 8:30pm to 11:00pm on weekdays; and from 1pm to midnight on Friday.
The charity also has an SMS service. A number of payment options are available. For Ooredoo users who want to donate, send an SMS with the word “Palestine” to:
- 92133 to donate QR25;
- 92632 to donate QR50;
- 92642 to donate QR100;
- 92428 to donate QR500; and
- 92429 to donate QR1,000.
If you’re a Vodafone user who wants to donate, send an SMS with the word “Donate” to:
- 97790 to donate QR10;
- 97286 to donate QR50;
- 97287 to donate QR100; and
- 97289 to donate QR300.
For more information, call Qatar Charity’s hotline at 4466-7711.
Eid Charity
Eid Charity has been providing Palestinians with food and medical aid, and has also said it prefers cash contributions for the relief effort. Residents can donate by visiting EC’s main office in Dafna, or by approaching one of the charity’s mall booths.
There is also an SMS donation service – send a text with the number “1” to 920244 (for Ooredoo users only). Each SMS counts for a donation of QR100. EC’s Ramadan office hours are 9am to 1pm and 8:30pm to 11:30pm from Saturday to Thursday; and closed on Friday.
For more information, call Eid Charity’s hotline at 4435-5555. Women can call a special number: 4498-0141
Qatar Red Crescent
QRC has been providing medical aid in Palestine through partnerships with NGOs such as the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
#صدقتك_حياة_لهم#الهلال_الأحمر #قطر #الدوحة #فلسطين #القدس pic.twitter.com/FzzRAGKYGa
— الهلال الأحمر القطري (@QRCS) July 13, 2014
The charity is accepting monetary donations to help those in Palestine at its booths in local malls. Residents can also donate by sending an SMS with the number “183” to 92176 (Ooredoo only). Each SMS counts for a donation of QR50.
International groups
There are also a number of non-profit organizations providing online users with the chance to donate to Palestine, including the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA).
Although UNRWA focuses on providing aid to Palestinian refugees, the UN has opened a “Gaza Emergency Appeal” category where people can donate either $25, $30, $100 or $280 to all Palestinians suffering from the bombings.
There’s also the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which has offices in the US as well as Palestine, and focuses on providing medical aid for children in the Middle East.
PCRF has now strengthened its focus on Palestine through its “Urgent Gaza Relief” program, which provides people with the opportunity to donate.
Do you know of any other ways to help? Thoughts?
The charity is a great idea.
But at whom is the protest part of the rally aimed? Israel, the corrupt Palestinian quasi-governments for their handling of the crisis, Iran for using the Palestinians as proxy for their cold war with Israel, the Arab league for its poor handling of yet another crisis, the GCC for its continued refusal to provide significant numbers of Palestinian refugees permanent visas, the UN for its inability to affect change, or the US for its lack of leadership and support of Israel, etc. etc.? Wow, that is a depressing list.
I agree David, very depressing list, but people cannot keep turning a blind eye and protests are held in hopes that someone will listen and take action the right way. Despair is an ugly thing, people need some hope that any effort done by anyone even if symbolic will yield a better outcome.
I was very pleased when I read the title of the story but I do not understand why women cannot attend. Banishing 50% of the population is bad for numbers. Here is another thought. The Israeli military machine runs on oil like all others. If the Arab countries refused to sell oil and gas to the Israelis or those who supplied them then things would change very quickly. Unfortunately for that, the Arab world have to work together. Tough one.
The ban on women struck me as ridiculous, too. Aren’t the women dying and suffering, too. If women were MORE involved in the peace process, I suspect much more of the conflict in Palestine would be resolved.
That oil embargo was tried before in the 1970s. It didn’t affect Israel’s military might and instead hurt the Gulf states far more than it did Israel or its suppliers.
If Arab states did that, it would also spur Western countries to move even faster to alternative energy. The net result would be an Israel that’s no weaker and a world energy market racing rapidly away from needing the Persian Gulf’s energy at all.
I don’t buy into this fully. It did hurt US industry and forced a lot of changes. It does also encourage the move to non fossil fuels though. It is also the best weapon that they have.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for peaceful protest within the laws of the land. I’m just wondering who the protest is aimed at, as there is such a long list of culprits who have a hand in the tragedy.
I’d be worried that any money sent to Palestine through these charities would have to go through the hands of Hamas, who are part of the problem.
Yes. Add Hamas (or least its leadership) to the list.
The Red Crescent has a good reputation for getting aid in the hands of the civilians. I don’t know enough about the others to comment. Doctors without borders/Medecins san Frontieres has a good reputation also.
Whats wrong with Hamas? This is not a rhetorical question.
They throw their political opponents off roofs. Most people think that’s not nice.
When did that happen? Hamas just recently united with their previously political opponents.. What is your comment on that?
It’s neither the job of UNRWA nor of the Red Crescent to “affect change”. Their job is only to provide humanitarian support which they do. Gaza’s main issue at the moment is food security (mentioned in OCHA oPt Report) and that can be best resolved by UNRWA that coordinates with OCHA oPt. So by donating to UNRWA you can’t do anything wrong.
Politics is a totally different story here. I think it is a very good idea and intention to do a rally to support the innocent civilians in the area which are victims of all military action – both from Hamas and the IDF.
boycott all israeli products
I agree Saeed but this needs to extend beyond a boycott of their products. They don’t make all that much really apart from oranges, olive oil and weapons.
boycott all those who strongly support israel
In principle but a tough one as the U.S. is involved here and you need them onside. It would be easier to bring pressure to bear on the U.S. so that they use their influence. Ways and means.
Though American foreign policy may be slow to change many Americans have already changed their views on Israel. Somewhat similar to the slow change towards South Africa during the apartheid era.
Agreed
Boycott all U.S., German, French, Spanish, South Korean, Thai and Chinese products?
Why don’t you start by returning your German car, throwing your iPhone (U.S.) or Samsung (South Korean with U.S. Operating System) out of the window together with your PC (U.S. or U.S./EU Operating System on Chinese/Taiwanese/South Korean Hardware). Please also don’t forget your flat screen TV – that should go as well.
And why are you still using the evil U.S. internet? That you should definitely avoid. Same for GSM/UMTS 3G mobile telephony and data systems… #BoycottEverything
You forgot stop eating Australian lamb and beef as well.
It’s all re-labeled kangaroo.
What the point of that be? I’m sure the intent would be targeted boycotts or are you just being facetious?
Yep, that will totally happen.
Let’s ask why G4S is one of the most common security companies in Qatar, when it is already the target of anti-Israeli protesters in the rest of the world: http://www.bdsmovement.net/activecamps/g4s
Will there be protests in Doha outside outlets of Victoria’s Secret?
The popular lingerie company is one of the largest clients of Delta Galil, which operates a textile factory in the West Bank industrial zone of Barkan as well as a shop in the settlement of Maale Adumim. Palestinians have also criticized the company for establishing its headquarters on land expropriated from Palestinians in the Galilee.
Are you going to throw away your Intel-powered computer?
Intel, whose processors can be found in about 80 percent of the world’s computers, has reportedly invested $2.7 billion to upgrade its Kiryat Gat plants where it is working on new chips that will make computers lighter and faster. That brings its total investments in Israel to about $10 billion, and it has also benefited from more than $1 billion in Israeli government grants.
And won’t life be harder without your HP printer?
Hewlett-Packard, the maker of computers and printers better known as HP, has come under fire for its involvement in biometric technology at Israeli checkpoints and for Israeli identification cards. BDS supporters have also criticized them for using service providers based in Israeli settlements.
No more Happy Meals for your kids. Last time I was at MacDonald’s it was as if most of their customers had no idea about where their money would eventually end up.
BDS supporters have targeted McDonald’s for its partnership with theJewish United Fund, which, among other things, promotes visits to Kiryat Gat, built on top of a destroyed Palestinian village. Critics have also targeted McDonald’s for discriminating against Arab workers at its restaurants in Israel.
Face it… the big money in Qatar, just like every other country, doesn’t care.
Don’t forget:
Proctor and Gamble–owners of Ariel detergent, Pampers diapers, Olay (make-up), Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Downy, Duracell batteries, and Crest–who outsource the manufacturing of many of their products (particularly diapers) to Israeli companies operating in the West Bank.
Volvo–although you don’t see many Volvos in Qatar, there are plenty of their products in Palestine. Volvo supplies parts for the bulldozers and has a 27 percent stake in Merkavin, whose buses are used for transporting Palestinian prisoners.
Motorola supplies surveillance equipment to Israel, including $100 million deal this year for smartphones for Israeli soldiers and security personnel.
The Chinese government now owns a controlling stake in the Israel’s largest dairy producer Tnuva.
And don’t forget all those companies and CEOs that have been staunch supporters of Israel: Disney, Fox, Nestle, Estee Lauder, Starbucks, Coca Cola, and IBM.
The Concept behind boycotting is just a self redemption. I’m quite sure boycotting of consumer products is not going to shake their economy.
The ideology is, I’m not going to spend a penny buying Israel products where your money would be used against palestine. Atleast whatever we can. 🙂
What do the Israelis even make? I’ve seen some of the boycott lists, and the products and companies are a huge stretch–usually a Jewish private citizen in a third country who owns a stake in something. The fact is that Israel makes and sells very little in the Arab world.
Yes, their exports are mainly going to the U.S. and the EU. So if you are in the gulf there is little to boycott. I however remember some trouble with the EU Israel had, because some products from the West Bank were marked “made in Israel” and customs-wise treated as israeli products which they should not have been. So there is some limitations in exports for Israel with regards to the political situation in the region.
For the EU it is mainly fruits like oranges and other agricultural products as well as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, high tech and some other goods. You can see the full list for Germany here (second table is imports from Israel into Germany): http://www.auwi-bayern.de/Asien/Israel/Export-Import-Statistik-Israel.jsp
Yes, and a lot of the fruits and veg imported into the EU is labelled ‘West Bank’, even though it is being produced by Israeli settlers. There was an article on this on the BBC a couple of years ago.
Don’t forget drones, they invented the cowardly death machines.
http://freeplanetickettonorthkorea.tumblr.com/boycott-israel
LOL….what products ?? can you name one product in Gatar?
Can someone arrange for an ENGLISH SPEAKER in this protest? I am sure there will be many non-arabs to show our support for Palestine and we would like to understand what the lead guy is saying. Thank you!
Good point. I’m out of Qatar at the moment but would have gone if home. Did I just call Qatar home? My goodness I’ve changed 🙂
When it comes to Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan etc., it is Jihad. When it is in Palestine, it is blame to Israel and sentiments. Always hearing stories of boycotting US but go and check US to find lots of Palestinians with US citizenship. With US citizenship, they come to work in GCC on high salaries……So you judge yourselves first rather than finding others wrong.
The problem of civiiian casualties stems from hamas’ use of civilians as human shields in order to fire rockets into Isreal. You cannot blame the Isrealis from hitting back. So this is what hamas does with all the “donation” money received – buys rockets and missiles?
sounds like regurgitated bbc commentary, very sensational, but not actually supported with fact. As for the Israeli conflict, they are the occupiers, you can’t simultaneously occupy and claim self defense; also by your logic of it’s ok to hit back, you justify the resistance, so nice one!
The “occupation”? Isrealis left gaza like 10 years ago. So now what is the excuse?
Moreover, there is a world of difference between trying to kill Isreali civilians – firing rockets and trying to avoid them (targeting the nice folks in gaza who fire rockets). Listen buddy, if the Isrealis wanted to kill civilians the death count would be in the THOUSANDS – they could just carpet bomb and flatten entire neighborhoods.
Ya occupation, the israelis control Gaza, their movements, borders, imports, “exports”, water, oil, electricity, the amount of calories they consume. So they control all that and expect them not to resist, put up a fight, stand up for their rights. And I’m not your buddy.
“Not my buddy.” Sorry to hear you harbor hatred for someone you do not know, never met and may be a person who would stop his car to help you on the road just because he expresses an opinion you do not agree with. Try to accept others and try to love others or at least not hate them.
In any event, you fail to address my point, namely, hamas is purposely trying to kill Isreali civilians while the Isrealis are trying hard not to kill civilians. As to the “occupation” there is none. The stated reason for hamas’ terrorism was the occupation but that reason evaporated when the Isrealis left a decade ago. Your claims of lack of electricity and food is false.
It kind of doesnt matter – hamas is without too much support nowadays. The Egyptians cant stand them and because of the side they picked in syria Iran has cut them off the dole. Maybe the people in gaza will throw the rascals out.
Have a nice day.
You used the word hatred and buddy, and assumed it’s because we don’t share the same opinion. My issue is with the facts that support your opinion. Namely your purporting Hamas uses human shields. As Hamas is the elected government of Gaza, any civic employee is thus Hamas, in the same way an American may be a democrat or republican. The point you claim I fail to address misses the issue, and that is why are Hamas throwing rockets. You claim Israel have the right to defend themselves, what makes them more right to defend themselves than those that live under their blockade and occupation. You also continue to address the lack of an occupation, maybe it’s semantics on your part to try to win an argument through pointing out that physically Israel is not inside Gaza, which again would be true if it weren’t true, allow me to explain. Israel maintains a siege on Gaza and part of maintaining that siege is setting up buffer zones on land, sea and air around Gaza, and part of maintaining those buffer zones is to occupy them with military equipment and personnel, an occasionally shoot people indiscriminately if they get to close. But I digress, Palestine chose a new unity government not too long ago, so if Israel wanted Hamas out of the picture, and indeed you, then they already had a political and diplomatic solution to that, and in fact that is the people not only of Gaza, but of Palestine “throwing the rascals out”.
1. Are you claiming civilians willingly allow their houses to be used by hamas? I find it hard to believe that plain folks in gaza can deny hamas the ability to enter their homes. My guess is saying “no” would mean execution. In any event, it is clear that the storage of weapons and firing them from homes and schools is wrong and inexcusable
2. You do not address the intentional versus non purposeful. again, if the Isrealis wanted to kill civilians they would flatten neighborhoods rather than specific targeting. Tell me does President Assad target or does he simply level?
3. As to a non physical occupation – why is there a blockade? Precisely because hamas was smuggling in rockets.
4. Finally, tell me, why does Egypt also blockade gaza? Egyptian security forces were slaughtered by hamas near the border a year or so ago (I recall the CNN report). Sounds to me that hamas are a bunch of thugs who hide behind civilians and then run and cry about “civilian casualties.” Without Iranian money and support, hamas is on the way out.
1. No, I’m saying Hamas is the government, and thus any government building or employee can be considered as Hamas, while not necessarily bearing arms, inciting war or participating in rocket attacks.
2. If Israel is intentionally trying not to kill civilians, then they are doing it wrong. If Hamas militants are trying to kill Israeli’s then they too are doing a bad job of it. If you’re going to bring this back to intent, the intent in any war is to inflict casualties and damage that are unbearable to the other side while playing by the rules as much as it won’t bring on more trouble than the tactical advantage gained through repeatedly or singularly violating said set of rules. If you want blatant intention, there are enough government officials outright calling for an end to the lives of Palestinian civilians and all Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs, it’s war, we shouldn’t be shocked by these intentions
3. That will open up another protracted debate
4. Sounds to me is not the same as facts. Egypt blockades gaza, again another protracted, off-center debate that would lead away from this one. What Hamas sounds like to you and the reality on the ground are different. And you didnt address the point about the unified government, if Israel wanted Hamas out, if you wanted Hamas out, and the US and whomever else that believes they are detrimental to their people or the security of the area, the golden opportunity was handed to all parties
Let us agree to disagree. Be well and stay hydrated!
You too
Thanks.
Been watching too much of Fox News, BBC and CNN lately ?
See my response above.
Wow Tom what a justification of bloodshed. How many died in Israel due to rocket attacks? Just because of few bunch of guys you cannot kill all the innocent people. They can send ground force to catch the culprits but they are bombing on populated areas
You are joking right? Because they have Iron Dome that shoots down the incoming rockets they are “at fault” for saving their citizens? As for “all the innocent people” why dont you blame hamas for firing from houses and storing rockets in houses? Why dont you blame hamas for firing rockets? Tell me Usman, why dont these folks tell hamas employees that they are not welcome to store their rockets in their homes or to use their houses to launch? Oh because they will be shot on the spot if they refuse. Isnt hamas the party at fault? BTW – everyone knows that if the Isrealis wanted to they could just whack gaza with massive firepower indiscriminately. The fact the Isrealis take great steps to save civilians is to their credit. The cure for what ills gaza is to have a moderate govt in place – not a bunch of terrorists who even the Egyptians detest. I watched Egyptian TV the other day and my arabic is good enough to understand that the commentators were actually in favor of what the Isrealis are doing.
A region where women graduating from higher education institutions outnumber men…where women in the workforce are increasing rapidly compared to their male counterpart … a country where HH Sheikha Moza spearheads women’s interest and YET…woman are not allowed at the protest !! Or…is this because its fasting month and the sight of women will tempt one to have impure thoughts ?? A totally ridiculous ban !!
I’ve heard differing things on Facebook about whether or not women can attend, so I’m just going to go and hope for the best. Regardless of how you might feel about the Palestinian leadership (Hamas or Fatah), I hope you will come to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
I have just confirmed from Palestine Embassy, there is no such a rally or protest these are the rumours and wrong information spread by Doha news. there will be only indoor gathering by young people just to show solidarity to the Palestinians and it is not the official gathering from the embassy. NObody is allowed to protest or raise their voices outdoor. in this way all of your efforts will be burried inside the building.
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There is a news for $11 Billion weapons deal from US as product demonstration shown by Israel on innocent Palestine’s is being funded by none other than US.
U.S. Senate Doubles Funding for Israel’s Iron Dome
http://www.thewire.com/global/2014/07/us-senate-doubles-funding-for-israels-iron-dome/374473/
The actual fact is they are using ARAB’s money against ARABS.
They are creating a fear environment in middle east everywhere in order to sell the weapons and destroy the middle east with help of Israel.
Please be unite with other nation else it will too late and you will loose your land too like Palestine is loosing.
Don’t waste your money on funding terrorist organisations like Hamas. Cowards shooting missiles from residential areas.