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Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani used the opening of the 55th session of the Shura Council in Doha to address domestic and foreign policy, regional developments, Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the economic fallout from the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the Palestinian cause remains a Qatari priority, describing events in the Gaza Strip as "undoubtedly a genocide" whose perpetrators should not be allowed to escape accountability. He voiced concern over Israeli practices toward Palestinians, said settler attacks in the occupied West Bank take place under Israeli army protection, and warned against repeated raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and violations of international law. He also called Iranian attacks on Qatar and other Gulf countries a clear breach of sovereignty, international law and good neighbourliness, while stressing that Doha's preference for dialogue does not mean conceding on defence.

The emir said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage at Ras Laffan energy facilities disrupted a significant share of exports, with revenues down 42 percent and public spending down 14 percent in the first half of the year, although essential services and development priorities were preserved. Qatar supplies about a fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade, so any disruption quickly reaches world markets, he said, urging doubled international efforts to protect navigation and energy infrastructure. He outlined a strategy centred on defence without being drawn into war, continuity of services and the economy, support for a ceasefire and reopened sea lanes, and encouragement of negotiations, and announced a 221 billion riyal package of projects and investment opportunities over the next five years.

Key Takeaways

• Qatar's emir described events in Gaza as genocide and said those responsible must be held accountable.
• Damage at Ras Laffan and the Strait of Hormuz closure cut Qatari revenues by 42 percent in the first half of the year.
• Doha plans roughly 221 billion riyals in projects and investment opportunities over the next five years.