Education Above All Foundation’s Al Fakhoora House destroyed in Gaza bombing
The Al Fakhoora House in the Southern part of Al Rimal, Gaza, an initiative of Qatar-based Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, was destroyed by Israeli bombs on Tuesday morning.
The institution, considered a safe space for students and families in an area that hosts civil society and international organizations, was destroyed during bombings as part of Israel’s ‘Operation Iron Swords.’
.@EAA_Foundation is deeply saddened by today's destruction of our Al Fakhoora House in Gaza.
— Education Above All Foundation (@EAA_Foundation) October 10, 2023
A beacon of hope since 2010, it has empowered Palestinian youth w/ education against adversity.
Education must be protected at all costs. #UniteToProtect – education is a human right!
Al Fakhoora House, which operates with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, was earlier bombed in 2009 during Operation Cast Lead. At the time, civilians had been using it as a shelter.
The Al Fakhoora programme was created in 2010 as a direct response to honour the victims of this attack on education.
EAA reiterated that collective punishment, reprisals, and attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure were all serious violations of international humanitarian law. If done deliberately, they were war crimes.
Meanwhile, Qatar is continuing with its efforts to de-escalate the violence in Gaza.
The country is in constant communication with regional and international players for immediate de-escalation, said Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Adviser to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatari Communication Ongoing with Various Parties to De-Escalate in Occupied Territories. #QNA #Qatar #Palestinehttps://t.co/8eCbWE365y pic.twitter.com/qSuYxQPPIc
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) October 10, 2023
In a weekly media briefing, Al Ansari said Qatar had initiated contacts with regional and international players and was trying to coordinate efforts and understand the situation on the ground better.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani spoke to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, Iran, USA, Spain, France and the UK to discuss solutions to the crisis, coordinate efforts, exchange views, and strengthen points of agreement to end the bloodshed.
“The situation on the ground is very complicated and the current level of escalation hasn’t been seen in the recent past,” said Al Ansari.
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Call from UN Secretary-General. #QNA #Qatar #UNhttps://t.co/B3C9mrGKAe pic.twitter.com/HL6l6ULnS6
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) October 10, 2023
Asked if there were chances of Qatari mediation to diffuse war and release prisoners, he said: “It’s a bit early to comment on any mediation efforts by Qatar or other players of the region. Qatar has had many successes in de-escalating between two parties in the past... But at this moment (it’s) very difficult to say that any party can start mediation.”
“We’ve to see developments on the ground. We’re quite worried about what’s happening right now. We hope the international community will work together to de-escalate the situation,” he added.
He said Qatar’s initiatives were aimed at coordinating regional and international efforts to stop the fighting, put an end to bloodshed and free the prisoners.
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