Qatar’s emir criticizes delay in aid to earthquake victims in Syria | Inquirer News

Qatar’s emir criticizes delay in aid to earthquake victims in Syria

/ 04:34 PM March 05, 2023

Syria earthquake aid

A Turkish flag is seen on a pole in front of a collapsed building, as rescue continues in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Kahramanmaras, Turkey February 12, 2023. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

DOHA — Qatar’s emir said on Sunday he was puzzled by the delay in delivering aid to victims of last month’s earthquake in Syria, adding that it was wrong to abuse humanitarian aid for political purposes, in an apparent swipe at the Syrian government.

Qatar was among several regional states that backed rebels in Syria’s civil war and has previously spoken out against efforts by some countries to normalize ties with Damascus.

Article continues after this advertisement

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, speaking at the opening of the U.N. Least Developed Countries conference in Doha, stressed the need to help Syrians “without hesitation” and support Turkey’s efforts to recover from the devastating earthquake.

FEATURED STORIES

The death toll in Turkey has risen to above 45,000, bringing the total toll including Syria to about 51,000. In Syria, the northwest region controlled by rebels at war with President Bashar al-Assad was the worst hit.

“As I wonder at the delay in the arrival of aid to these(Syrian) people, I stress that exploiting a human tragedy for political purposes is unacceptable,” Sheikh Tamim said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The United Nations has called for access by all parties in Syria, already devastated by years of civil war, in order to scale up aid deliveries.

Article continues after this advertisement

Relief bodies complain of restrictions by the Damascus government that they say politicize aid distribution. Other aid agencies say hardline rebels have blocked aid deliveries from government-held parts of Syria, further complicating efforts.

Article continues after this advertisement

Qatar has been providing aid to Syrians via Turkey while other Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates have directly flown in humanitarian supplies.

Doha, like Washington, has voiced opposition to any moves towards rehabilitating or normalizing ties with Assad, citing his government’s brutality during the conflict and the need to see progress towards a political solution.

Article continues after this advertisement

RELATED STORIES

UN earthquake aid convoy reaches Syria where ‘everything’ needed

US urges Syria, all parties to allow earthquake aid to get to those in need

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: aid, Earthquake, Qatar, Syria

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.