DOHA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Qatar on Tuesday condemned Israel's resumption of military operations against the Gaza Strip, saying the renewed strikes had resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.
In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry described the action as a challenge to international efforts to secure a ceasefire and warned that further escalation could destabilize the region and undermine security.
The ministry called for an immediate return to dialogue to implement the ceasefire and end the conflict while highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Qatar reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Israeli forces carried out airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to intensify the assault if Hamas did not release hostages held in the enclave.
The surprise strikes, which broke nearly two months of ceasefire, came amid indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a potential truce that could include ending the hostilities and releasing the remaining Israeli hostages. ■
