Doha: Al-Watan newspaper, in an editorial titled "600 Days of Killing," has spotlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, marking the grim milestone of 600 days since the onset of Israeli aggression. This period has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians and injuries to more than 123,000, with many victims still trapped under debris amid the relentless campaign of destruction.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan cited a report from the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, emphasizing the unchanged situation on the ground. Despite the extensive assault, the Palestinian resistance remains active and continues to strategically reposition, suggesting that Israeli military actions have not achieved significant outcomes beyond widespread devastation.
The editorial also condemned the Israeli government's recent approval of 22 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Al-Watan stressed that this decision is a blatant violation of international law and defies UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which categorically declares Israeli settlements in occupied territories illegal and without legal standing under international legitimacy.
In an editorial titled "Honoring UN Peacekeepers," The Peninsula, an English-language newspaper, noted the significant impact UN peacekeeping missions have had over the past eight decades in conflict-affected regions. Their role has been crucial in acting as a buffer between warring factions, supporting fragile peace agreements, and guiding communities toward reconciliation and lasting peace.
This year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed on May 29, is celebrated under the theme "Peace-keeping for the Future." The Peninsula highlighted the invaluable service of UN peacekeepers and paid tribute to the more than 4,400 personnel who have died in the line of duty, including 57 in 2024 alone.
The commemoration takes place amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. In both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, the persistent violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian civilians underscores the urgent need to enhance international peacebuilding efforts.
While the United Nations marks this day, Gaza continues to face a dire humanitarian crisis, worsened by obstacles to humanitarian aid, including essential medicines and medical supplies, preventing them from reaching those in need, as stressed by The Peninsula.
The Peninsula concluded by stating that as the sacrifices and achievements of UN peacekeepers are honored, the ongoing tragedies in Gaza and other conflict zones demand renewed international resolve to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and human dignity-the core ideals upon which the United Nations was founded.