Qatar, France oppose looming Israeli invasion of Rafah
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Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani and French President Emanuel Macron pledge jointly $200 million in support of the Palestinian population.
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French President Emmanuel Macron (R) greets Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani before an official dinner on the sidelines of the Qatari Emir's state visit at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, on February 27, 2024. (Photo by Yoan VALAT / POOL / AFP)
Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani and French President Emanuel Macron on Wednesday condemned the situation in the Gaza Strip and expressed opposition against a looming Israeli invasion into the southern city of Rafah, where around 1.4 million Palestinians -- most of them displaced from other areas -- are sheltering in tent cities.
"The leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, in order to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza on a massive scale and to ensure protection for civilians. They stressed their opposition to an offensive on Rafah," a joint communique read.
Al-Thani and Macron also "called for the opening of all crossings, including in the North of the Gaza Strip to allow for humanitarian actors to resume their activities and notably the delivery of food supply."
The two leaders also "pledged jointly 200 Million dollars effort in support of the Palestinian population."
The Qatari Emir concluded a two-day state visit to France on Thursday, during which he discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, among other files.
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