Doha: Qatari newspapers emphasized in their editorials the recent telephone conversation between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE President Donald Trump of the United States, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and the broad cooperation characterizing the partnership between Doha and Washington. They also addressed Qatar's condemnation of the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, describing the act as a violation of international law.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers highlighted the need to ensure the safety of all participants in the flotilla and called for an urgent investigation into the incident. They affirmed that Israel's actions constitute both a moral and legal breach of international law and conventions, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The editorials stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza or over international waters.
In an editorial titled "Qatar Remains Committed Partner," The Peninsula affirmed that Qatar and the United States have maintained a deep partnership for decades. The paper noted the strength of this relationship following an executive order by President Trump, underscoring the US commitment to Qatar's security and territorial integrity. The recent phone call between HH the Amir and the US President discussed efforts to promote regional stability, with HH the Amir reaffirming Qatar's support for peace initiatives.
The Peninsula highlighted that the executive order reflects the United States' recognition of Qatar's strategic importance and its pledge to defend the country against external threats. It affirms that any attack on Qatari territory would be treated as a challenge to peace and security. The editorial concluded that Qatar remains committed to working with the United States to address regional and global challenges, reaffirming its position as a trusted ally of Washington.
Al-Raya, in its editorial titled "Israeli Illegal and Immoral Violation of the Sumud Flotilla," condemned Israel's ongoing violations of international law through its actions in Gaza. The paper stressed that Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla constitutes a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other humanitarian principles, particularly as it endangered the lives of more than 470 participants on board.
The paper affirmed that the Global Sumud Flotilla enjoys the right of free passage in international waters and that Israel must not obstruct freedom of navigation. Al-Raya concluded by stressing that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a peaceful civilian initiative aimed at breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and ending policies of starvation and genocide in accordance with international law.