Doha: Qatari newspapers on Sunday delved into a range of local and international issues, prominently focusing on the profound fraternal ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as the alarming situation faced by media personnel in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to Qatar News Agency, several editorials emphasized the congratulatory cable sent by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the Kingdom's Founding Day. This gesture was highlighted as a testament to the strong historical and strategic relations between the two nations, rooted in a shared vision for the future. The newspapers underscored remarks by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, who expressed Qatar's support for de-escalation efforts in the region, advocating for diplomatic solutions to disputes.
Al-Arab newspaper described Saudi Arabia's Founding Day as a significant historical occasion, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. The annual celebration on February 22 reflects Saudi Arabia's stature in the Gulf, Arab, and Islamic worlds. The paper highlighted the depth of the relationship between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the unity of destiny and vision shared by the two countries, strengthened through political, economic, and social cooperation over decades.
The newspaper further noted that the Gulf Cooperation Council has been instrumental in consolidating this cooperation, especially in the face of current regional developments. It stressed the importance of Gulf solidarity and the political will of Qatar and Saudi Arabia to overcome challenges through cohesion and unity on critical issues.
On a different front, Al-Raya newspaper focused on the systematic targeting of media personnel in the occupied Palestinian territories. The paper expressed concerns over serious violations against journalists, emphasizing that these actions have reached criminal levels amid international silence. It reported that journalists and their families have been targeted in efforts to suppress Palestinian narratives and silence truth-telling.
Citing a report from the Committee to Protect Journalists, Al-Raya highlighted the dire risks faced by Palestinian media professionals. The newspaper called for more effective international political and legal action to ensure journalists' protection in conflict zones and to end the policy of impunity. It stressed that targeting journalists threatens press freedom and the right to information, both fundamental human rights.
Al-Raya concluded by urging the international community to take practical steps beyond verbal condemnations. It advocated for enforcing international law, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and supporting human rights organizations working to protect journalists and prevent further violations, particularly in light of the rising number of journalists killed in the Palestinian territories.