CIS Hosts Forum on Challenges Facing Aid Workers and Journalists in Gaza

The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) gathered leading humanitarian experts and political figures for a forum highlighting the challenges facing humanitarian and media organizations operating amidst the crisis in Gaza.

Her Excellency (HE) Florence Tinguely Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the State of Qatar; HE Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the State of Qatar; and Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, Spokesperson, Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, discussed the complexities of the crisis and their implications for the region and the world at the forum.

Moderated by Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail Elamin, Professor and Program Director, MA in Islam and Global Affairs, CIS, the panel also saw several leadership figures from international humanitarian organizations contribute insights from their operations within Gaza, including Dawood Al Masri, Head of Analysis and Outreach Hub, Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Basma Tabaja, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Qatar; Yara Khawaja, Deputy Head of Mission and Humanitarian Affairs Adviser at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Qatar; and Dr. Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Qatar, also joined in the discussions.

For their part, Hani Shehada, Regional Manager, Al Fakhoora Programme, Education Above All Foundation, and Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Government and Institutional Development Sector, Qatar Charity, outlined their own organization’s efforts and Qatar’s strong support for the Palestinian people throughout the crisis.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean, CIS, said: “We were proud to utilize our uniquely composed platform to host internationally renowned partners for critical discussions on human rights, the role of media in wars and disasters, and the challenges relief organizations face in Gaza. CIS’ innate dedication to dialogue drives us to collaborate with international partners to overcome borders and build capacity in Qatar and beyond so the region can work together to address pressing issues such as the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”

On the sidelines of the discussion, the event also featured an exhibition displaying works created by local and international artists that explore the impact of the crisis through their own lived experiences and reflections. It also featured screenings of films portraying the reality of life in Gaza.