Palestinians Mourn Late Emir, Remembering His Enduring Support for Gaza

Palestinian officials, media figures, and researchers have affirmed that the late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani left a solid legacy in supporting the Palestinian cause and defending Islamic holy sites in Palestine. They noted his extensive career, political stances, and humanitarian and developmental initiatives, which deeply impacted the lives of Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Qatar has consistently served as a partner and supporter of the Palestinian people's resilience. The late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani once stated, "What is happening in Gaza necessitates an Arab position that goes beyond traditional condemnation statements."

Reconstruction and Humanitarian Initiatives

Qatar launched a reconstruction grant for Gaza that encompassed significant projects, including the construction of Hamad bin Khalifa Residential City, the rehabilitation and expansion of Salah al-Din and Al-Rasheed streets, and the establishment of the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics. The initiatives also provided support to the energy sector, delivered financial grants to hundreds of thousands of needy families, and aided the education, agriculture, and fishing sectors. Mohammed Abu Qamar mentioned projects such as Hamad Residential City, infrastructure, road networks, and health sector support.

Dr. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director of the Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip, praised Qatar's humanitarian and historical role under the late Father Emir in breaking the siege on the Gaza Strip. Dr. Al-Thawabta stated, "No Palestinian or Arab can overlook the strategic imprints and deep humanitarian interventions established by the Qatari vision during the era of His Highness the Father Emir, may God have mercy on him. That vision formed a fundamental lever to enhance the resilience of Palestinians and cement their presence in their land, which was practically embodied through key milestones and facts translated on the ground."

The late Father Emir's historic visit to the Gaza Strip in 2012 was the first official and practical declaration of breaking the political and economic siege imposed on the Strip. This visit is described as the most prominent event in the memory of Gazans, carrying a reconstruction program and a political message that Gaza was not an isolated area. Dr. Al-Thawabta further explained, "The historic and exceptional visit made by His Highness the Father Emir, may God have mercy on him, to the Gaza Strip in 2012 represented the first official and practical declaration of breaking the political and economic siege imposed on the Strip. It also constituted a bold step and a firm Arab solidarity message that thwarted attempts to isolate the Gaza Strip, restored hope to Palestinians, and established a new phase of construction and building in the face of destruction and aggression." He added, "These developmental projects and relief interventions have left a deep and direct impact on the lives of Palestinians, forming a fundamental pillar within efforts to relieve civilian populations under occupation and siege, representing a unique model that should be emulated internationally."

Political Stance and Advocacy

Political analyst Mohammed Mustafa Shaheen characterized the late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as one of the most prominent supporters of the Palestinian cause, affirming his backing through both rhetoric and actionable initiatives. Shaheen's assessment notes a consistent commitment that extended beyond diplomatic statements.

Researcher and political analyst Wissam Afifa further noted that the Palestinian cause held a sustained position within Qatar's foreign policy during the late Father Emir's tenure. Afifa emphasized that this was not a temporary concern but rather an issue that consistently received strong political support from Qatar. This continuous advocacy showed a strategic and enduring focus on Palestinian issues within the nation's international relations.

During a critical period, the late Father Emir demonstrated his proactive stance by calling for an emergency Arab summit. This call was made in response to the Israeli aggression on Gaza in late 2008, signaling a desire for a unified Arab response to the escalating situation. The initiative reflected a push for regional diplomatic engagement and a collective approach to addressing the conflict's impact on the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian Voices on Legacy

Mohammed Abu Qamar, Editor-in-Chief of the Palestinian Press Agency "Safa", stated that Palestinians recall with pride the late Father Emir's significant political, humanitarian, and developmental support for the Palestinian people's resilience, particularly in Gaza. Abu Qamar noted that the news of the late Father Emir's passing caused widespread sorrow among Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip. "All Palestinians recognise the extent of His Highness's historic stances in supporting their steadfastness, and they hold deep appreciation for what he represented as a true supporter of their cause," Abu Qamar said.

He emphasized that these positions were not limited to political discourse but materialized into practical projects that left clear impacts on the lives of Palestinians. Abu Qamar pointed out that the late Father Emir was "among the most prominent Arab leaders who defended the rights of the Palestinian people, and this support was translated into strategic projects, including Hamad Residential City, as well as infrastructure projects, road network development, and support for the health sector." He added that these projects' effects continue to be felt today, reflecting a practical commitment stemming from an understanding of Palestinian needs.