Gaza: Palestinian officials, media figures, and researchers said that the late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani left an enduring legacy of support for the Palestinian cause and the protection of Islamic holy sites in Palestine, describing him as an exemplary Arab leader whose contributions will remain etched in the memories of history and the Palestinian people.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), they highlighted the late Father Amir’s distinguished leadership, steadfast political positions, and humanitarian and development initiatives which had a profound impact on Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip. They said his legacy will remain present through the positions he championed and the projects launched during his reign that contributed to strengthening Palestinian resilience.
They added that the passing of H H the Father Amir represents the loss of an Arab leader whose name became synonymous with unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, saying that the legacy he left behind reflects the deep ties between Qatar and Palestine and a political and humanitarian approach whose impact remains evident today. They noted that Qatar has continued to stand alongside the Palestinian people through humanitarian and relief aid, as well as political support for their legitimate national rights, including freedom, independence and statehood.
For his part, Director of the Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Ismail Al-Thawabta, praised the humanitarian and historic role played by the State of Qatar during the era of H H the Father Amir, particularly in helping break the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. He said that amid the historic turning points and major challenges faced by the Palestinian people, the humanitarian and principled positions adopted by Qatar represented significant milestones, reflecting the pioneering role led by the State through initiatives launched and sponsored by the late H H the Father Amir.
No Palestinian or Arab can overlook the strategic contributions and profound humanitarian interventions established by Qatar’s vision during the era of the late H H the Father Amir. That vision served as a key pillar in strengthening the resilience of Palestinians and helping them remain steadfast on their land, he added.
He noted that the historic and unprecedented visit by the late H H the Father Amir to the Gaza Strip in 2012 represented the first official and practical declaration of breaking the political and economic siege imposed on the Strip. He said the visit was a bold step and a strong message of Arab solidarity that challenged efforts to isolate Gaza, restoring hope among Palestinians, and paved the way for a new phase of reconstruction and development in the face of destruction and aggression.
For his part, editor-in-chief of Safa News Agency, Mohammed Abu Qamar, said Palestinians remember with great pride the late H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani’s stances and support he provided to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Abu Qamar said, in exclusive statements to QNA, these positions went beyond political statements and were reflected in practical projects that had a clear impact on the lives of Palestinians. He noted that His Highness was among the most prominent Arab leaders who defended the rights of the Palestinian people and translated that support into strategic projects, including Hamad Residential City, infrastructure initiatives, road network development and support for the health sector.
For his part, writer and political analyst Mohammed Mustafa Shaheen observed that H H the late Amir is present in the Palestinian consciousness as one of the most prominent supporters of the Palestinian cause.
In remarks to QNA, Shaheen said H H the Father Amir’s initiatives in support of Palestinians in Gaza came at a time when the Strip was facing an escalating siege and worsening humanitarian conditions. He said these initiatives carried a political and moral message affirming that Palestine was a permanent Arab and Islamic responsibility.
Researcher and political analyst Wissam Afifa affirmed that Palestinians remember a great leader whose name is synonymous with sincere support for the Palestinian cause and who left a political and humanitarian legacy still evident in the Gaza Strip to this day.
Afifa said that the Palestinian cause during the reign of His Highness was integral to Qatar’s foreign policy. This support included defending Palestinian rights, sponsoring reconciliation efforts, hosting dialogues between factions, and working to keep the issue present on both the Arab and international agendas.
