Doha: Al-Watan newspaper has published a scathing editorial criticizing the actions of Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. The newspaper reported that since October 7, 2023, a staggering 73,391 Palestinians have been killed and 174,280 wounded in the Gaza Strip, while in Lebanon, 4,346 have been killed and 12,301 injured. Despite two ceasefire agreements being in place, the violence continues to escalate daily.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan accused Israel of consistently failing to adhere to agreements it has signed, labeling attempts to achieve peace with the nation as delusional due to the repeated failures of such agreements. The newspaper highlighted that numerous agreements have been attempted in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including a 15-point plan approved by the Peace Council. However, Israel reportedly rejected and reneged on this plan before its implementation. Additionally, the 2026 framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which aimed to end the state of war, has not stopped the ongoing bombings, killings, and displacements.
The editorial concluded by emphasizing the disbelief in Israel's commitments, citing overwhelming evidence of the deteriorating situation. Al-Watan called for a decisive international stance to curb the killing of unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon, condemning these acts as horrific crimes that must be stopped.
In a separate editorial, Al-Arab newspaper focused on domestic issues, affirming that the development of services across Qatar is a key indicator of the nation's comprehensive development renaissance. The newspaper emphasized that true development involves not just major projects and urban centers but also the provision of basic and specialized services to all residents, ensuring balanced development and improved quality of life. Al-Arab highlighted the expansion of health services outside Doha as a significant step in reducing transportation burdens and providing quality healthcare to residents near their homes.
Meanwhile, The Peninsula, an English-language newspaper, discussed Qatar's new national sports initiative, Hayyoh. The initiative aims to transform fans into active participants by rewarding them for attending and engaging in sporting events. The editorial described the concept as simple yet impactful, offering 1,000 Base Points to fans after verified attendance, which can be redeemed for rewards through Hayyoh's network of partners. The Peninsula concluded that while Qatar has invested heavily in sports infrastructure and major events, the challenge now is to ensure the passion generated becomes a lasting part of everyday life, with Hayyoh being a crucial step in this direction.