Qatar’s emir: No green light to Israel for unconditional killing

DOHA (Reuters): Qatar’s ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said Israel should not be given a green light for unconditional killing.

“We say enough. Israel shouldn’t be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorization to kill,” said Sheikh Tamim, during his annual speech to open the Gulf Arab state’s advisory Shura council.

Sheikh Tamim said the fighting between Israel and Hamas was a dangerous escalation that threatened the region and the world. 

This was his first public comments since Qatar began its most recent efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar has had an open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas which has brought about the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women on Monday.

“We call for a serious regional and international stance against this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, which threatens the security of the region and the world,” Sheikh Tamim said.

“We do not accept double standards and acting like the lives of Palestinian children aren’t accounted for, as if they don’t have faces or names.”