In a speech addressing the challenges facing humanitarian efforts, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khalifa, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, characterized the ongoing situation in Gaza as a “collective punishment.” He emphasized that the continuous aggression against the Gaza Strip has led to a tragic reality.
Dr. Al-Khalifa, speaking during a session at the Doha Forum titled “People First: Humanitarian Diplomacy in a Challenging World,” presented statistics reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy in the region. He highlighted that “there is a tragic reality in Gaza, with statistics indicating the death of more than 17,000 people, 70 percent of whom are women and children.
Additionally, more than 40,000 people have been injured, with over 1.9 million forcibly displaced individuals. Nearly 90 percent of the infrastructure has been damaged, children are unable to attend school, access to water is limited, and half the population suffers from famine.”
Dr. Al-Khalifa addressed the unprecedented challenges facing humanitarian work, including the high costs associated with relief and aid delivery models and declining enthusiasm from donor agencies to fund humanitarian projects. He also noted that humanitarian work has taken on a political dimension, citing the situation in Gaza as an example of civilians becoming victims of political agendas.
He called for improvements in the humanitarian system, such as partnering with the private sector in humanitarian endeavors, enhancing innovation and creativity, and ensuring the neutrality of humanitarian actions free from political influence. Dr. Al-Khalifa stressed the importance of using technology to aid in the efficient delivery of relief and aid, as well as making decisions based on available data.
In conclusion, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khalifa highlighted the significance of these tools in enhancing efforts to save lives and rebuild not only physical infrastructure but also the dignity, hopes, and potential of people for a better future, especially those in vulnerable communities who often lack a voice.
