For the second consecutive year, Qatar has cancelled its National Day parade, traditionally held on 18 December along the iconic Doha Corniche, in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, where a brutal and ongoing Israeli offensive has killed over 45,000 people.

The annual military parade, usually attended by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been replaced by the “Dar Al-Saai” programme, featuring week-long cultural and heritage activities until 21 December.

Other events and exhibitions to mark the National Day are taking place at the Katara Village, Ras Abrouq, Lusail Boulevard, Ras Abu Aboud 974 Beach, and Old Doha Port, among other venues.

Qatar National Day marks the accession of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar, who assumed power in 1878. The day reflects on the nation’s history and the contributions of its forebears to building modern Qatar.

The decision to cancel the parade highlights Qatar’s stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its broader diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire.

Throughout 2024, Qatar maintained apolicy of neutrality, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution. Qatar has been closely involved in efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Israel-Gaza conflict and facilitate de-escalation and the entry of humanitarian aid.

Doha has been a key venue for indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.

Mediation efforts were temporarily halted due to Israel’s lack of commitment and pressure from the United States and Israel to shut down the Hamas office in Doha. The office, established in 2012 at the request of the Obama administration, aimed to prevent Hamas from aligning more closely with Iran after its leaders left Damascus during the Syrian war.

Despite these setbacks, Qatar resumed mediation after renewed opportunities to negotiate a ceasefire.

Qatari journalist Issa Al-Ishaq highlighted Doha’s critical role in mediating between Palestinian groups and Israel. He noted that withdrawing from mediation would weaken Palestinian efforts to achieve a resolution that would end their suffering.

Qatar’s continued involvement ensures that Palestinian perspectives are represented in international discussions. Its mediation efforts extend beyond the Israel-Palestine conflict. The country has facilitated peace talks in Yemen, Lebanon, and Darfur, hosted Taliban negotiations with the United States, and mediated humanitarian exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

In 2020, Qatar’s diplomatic efforts led to the US-Taliban agreement, resulting in the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

This is an edited translation from our Arabic edition. To read the original article click here.