Hamas offers condolences following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has expressed its condolences following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, extending sympathies to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari ruling family, the government and people of Qatar, and the wider Arab and Islamic world.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamas described the late Sheikh Hamad as “a great national and Arab leader” and credited him with leading Qatar’s modern development. The movement prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness upon him and praised what it described as his lasting contributions to his country, the Arab world, and humanitarian causes.

Hamas said Sheikh Hamad had consistently supported what it called just causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, and portrayed his backing of Palestinian rights as a defining feature of his leadership.

The statement highlighted his repeated calls for a political settlement based on ending the Israeli occupation and enabling Palestinians to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Hamas also recalled Sheikh Hamad’s 2012 visit to the Gaza Strip, describing it as the first visit by an Arab head of state to Gaza after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. The movement characterized the visit as a symbolic gesture of solidarity that helped support reconstruction efforts and reduce Gaza’s regional isolation.

According to Hamas, Sheikh Hamad played a significant role in financing reconstruction and development projects in Gaza, including residential neighbourhoods, healthcare facilities, schools, and other public infrastructure.

The statement concluded by praising what Hamas described as Sheikh Hamad’s enduring humanitarian legacy and his support for the Palestinian people over many years.

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