Qatar, expressing its deep concern about recent developments in the Gaza Strip, has called on all parties to stop the escalation, maintain calm, and exercise utmost restraint.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it held Israel alone responsible for the current escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, the latest of which is the repeated raids on Al Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Israeli police.

Statement | Qatar Expresses Concern over the Developments in Gaza Strip and Calls for De-escalation#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/QtoyaFDnRw

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 7, 2023

The Ministry stressed the need for the international community to move urgently to compel Israel to stop its blatant violations of international law, respect the resolutions of international legitimacy and historical rights of the Palestinian people and prevent these events from being used as a pretext to ignite the fire of a new unequal war against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm position on the justice of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Earlier in the day, the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an attack on Israel named ‘Operation Al Aqsa Flood.’ Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets. Hamas fighters also entered Israel via land, sea and air.

It was the most serious escalation of violence since Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has launched a counteroffensive in the Gaza Strip, named ‘Operation Iron Swords.’

Hamas’s early-morning strikes occurred on Simchat Torah, a holiday which falls towards the conclusion of the weeklong Jewish festival known as Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles.

It is understood that at least 22 Israelis have been killed, with more than 500 injured. According to agencies, at least four Palestinians were also killed and five wounded in confrontations between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in the border area of the Gaza Strip.

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