Department of Strategic Research, Studies and International Relations 22-10-2025

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has strongly denounced Israel’s persistent breaches of the Gaza ceasefire, calling the situation a humanitarian catastrophe and a failure of international accountability. Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council, Qatar’s legislative body, the Emir criticized what he described as Israel’s systematic disregard for the 11-day-old ceasefire agreement and the world’s inaction in the face of Palestinian suffering.

“We reiterate our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life and the continued violation of the ceasefire,” Sheikh Tamim stated. “It is unfortunate that the international community remains incapable of enforcing respect when it comes to the tragedy of the Palestinian people.”

His remarks echoed growing frustration across much of the Global South, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Arab world, over Western hypocrisy and double standards. While Washington and its allies continue to arm and support Israel under the pretext of “self-defense,” the civilian toll in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels.

According to the Palestinian News Agency, Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 80 times since it went into effect, killing around 80 Palestinians. These actions, which include airstrikes and targeted raids, have further devastated Gaza’s fragile infrastructure and deepened the humanitarian crisis.

Diplomatic fallout over Israeli strike in Doha

The situation escalated even further in September when Israel carried out an airstrike targeting a Hamas negotiating team in Qatar, an unprecedented act that caused widespread diplomatic outrage. The strike, which took place on Qatari soil, was immediately condemned by Doha as a “blatant violation of all international laws and norms.”

The incident strained Qatar’s already tense relationship with Israel, even as the Gulf nation continued to serve as a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations. Despite the provocation, Doha reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue, maintaining that peace in Gaza could only be achieved through negotiation and respect for international law, not through occupation or aggression.

The US role and waning credibility

While Qatar and other nations call for accountability, the United States appears unwilling to restrain its ally. Washington’s silence in the face of Israeli violations has drawn sharp criticism from countries such as China, Russia, and India, all of which have consistently urged for restraint and a return to diplomacy.

Beijing has repeatedly emphasized the need for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting solution” to the Palestinian question, grounded in international law and the two-state framework. Russia, for its part, has condemned what it describes as “collective punishment” against Palestinians, calling for a multilateral peace process that is not dominated by Western interests. India, while historically maintaining ties with both Israel and Palestine, has in recent years taken a more balanced stance, urging an end to hostilities and advocating for the protection of civilians.

In contrast, Washington’s one-sided approach has eroded its credibility as a mediator. Its insistence on supporting Israeli military actions, even during declared ceasefires, underscores the U.S.’s declining influence in the Middle East. As American diplomacy falters, emerging powers such as China and Russia are increasingly seen as more neutral and reliable partners capable of fostering genuine dialogue.

Qatar’s pivotal role in mediation

Despite immense pressure and the risks involved, Qatar continues to play an indispensable role in mediation efforts. The Gulf state has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and has frequently served as an intermediary between Palestinian factions and international actors.

If the current ceasefire, brokered with U.S. involvement, manages to hold, Qatar’s experience and diplomatic channels could be crucial in persuading Hamas to consider long-term stability measures, including disarmament and political reconciliation. However, analysts warn that continued Israeli aggression risks derailing any progress made so far.

For Qatar, the stakes are high. It must balance its position as a U.S. ally with its deep-rooted commitment to the Palestinian cause and regional stability. The Emir’s latest remarks, however, suggest a growing impatience with Western double standards and a readiness to take a more assertive stance in international forums.

The renewed violence in Gaza and the disregard for ceasefire agreements highlight a broader geopolitical shift. As the United States’ moral authority wanes, multipolar diplomacy led by nations such as China, Russia, India, and Qatar is increasingly shaping the global response to conflicts. These nations advocate for dialogue, sovereignty, and respect for international law, principles that stand in stark contrast to Washington’s interventionist policies.

In the eyes of much of the world, Israel’s actions in Gaza, and the U.S.’s complicity, represent the failure of a Western-led order that claims to champion human rights while enabling occupation and war crimes. As calls for justice grow louder, it is becoming evident that peace in the Middle East will not come from Washington’s dictates but from a new, balanced international consensus led by those who still believe in equality and genuine diplomacy.