During the opening of the UN Least Developed Countries conference in Doha, Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, expressed his concern over the delay in delivering aid to victims of last month’s earthquake in Syria. He stressed the need to help Syrians “without hesitation” and support Turkey’s efforts to recover from the disaster. The emir also condemned the abuse of humanitarian aid for political purposes, stating that it was unacceptable to exploit a human tragedy for political gain.
Qatar was one of several regional states that supported rebels in Syria’s civil war, which has been ongoing since 2011. The emir has previously spoken out against efforts by some countries to normalise ties with Damascus. However, he emphasised the importance of providing aid to those affected by the earthquake, regardless of political affiliations.
The earthquake had a devastating impact on both Turkey and Syria, with over 45,000 deaths reported in Turkey and nearly 6,000 deaths in Syria. The northwest region controlled by rebels at war with President Bashar al-Assad was the worst hit. The United Nations has called for access to be granted by all parties in Syria to scale up aid deliveries.
Relief bodies have complained of restrictions by the Damascus government that politicise aid distribution. Meanwhile, hardline rebels have blocked aid deliveries from government-held parts of Syria, further complicating efforts. The UN estimates that 8.8 million people in Syria have been affected by the disaster.
Last month, a cholera outbreak was reported in northwestern Syria after the earthquakes hit the region, leading to 22 deaths. Emergency responders in the opposition-held area warned that the destruction of infrastructure, water and sewage lines after the earthquake increased the possibility of an outbreak of the disease.
In conclusion, Sheikh Tamim’s comments highlight the importance of providing aid to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts without any political agenda. It is crucial for all parties involved to work together to ensure that aid is delivered promptly and efficiently to those who need it most.