Doha: Qatari newspapers have expressed strong condemnation of recent events concerning Al-Aqsa Mosque, urging the international community to address the escalating situation. Qatari daily Al-Watan criticized the calls by Temple Mount groups for mass incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and the imposition of new rituals during Jewish religious celebrations.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan highlighted the increasing violations by Israeli colonists at this significant Islamic site, noting that the Israeli occupation uses Jewish religious occasions to impose severe restrictions on Palestinian movement. These measures have led to road closures and restricted access across the West Bank, including Jerusalem, exacerbating the hardships faced by Palestinians by limiting their freedom of worship and movement while settlers enjoy greater access.
Al-Watan called on the international community to take a decisive stance, urging Israel to stop its violations and unlawful measures targeting Islamic holy sites in occupied Jerusalem. The newspaper emphasized the need to remove restrictions on Muslim worshipers seeking access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and to protect the site's status quo.
Furthermore, Al-Sharq commented on Israel's ongoing actions in the Palestinian territories and its aggression in Syria and Lebanon, suggesting these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader policy of forceful impositions. The newspaper argued that Israel's actions violate international law and threaten regional security and stability.
Al-Sharq urged the international community to acknowledge its historic and moral responsibility, asserting that silence only encourages further attacks and risks wider conflict. The editorial concluded by reaffirming Qatar's stance that a just peace can only be achieved through adherence to international law, ending the occupation, and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In domestic news, English-language daily The Peninsula highlighted Qatar's ongoing efforts to enhance its urban environment through the expansion of parks and green spaces. The publication noted that Qatar is investing in public parks, afforestation, and landscaping to improve urban quality of life and climate resilience.
The Peninsula reported that the Ministry of Municipality is making significant progress on the National Strategy for Open and Recreational Areas, aimed at expanding recreational destinations and strengthening green infrastructure. The Green Belt Development Strategy is also nearing completion, supporting environmental integration in urban planning. Additionally, the ministry has finalized the Green Roof Planning Standards Manual to promote sustainable urban development.
The newspaper concluded by affirming the Ministry's commitment to modernizing Qatar's urban planning system and aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030's goals for sustainable, connected, and livable urban environments.