Doha: Qatari newspapers have recently highlighted two significant issues: Qatar's strides in waste management and the escalating situation in the occupied West Bank.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Arab newspaper commended Qatar's achievements in waste management, specifically noting the country's accomplishment of a zero waste rate during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup. This was achieved by converting waste into recyclable materials or clean energy at a dedicated waste treatment center. The newspaper emphasized that the efforts of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in sustainability are part of the broader building projects initiated since 2022. Ashghal's integrated system manages and recycles millions of tons of construction and demolition waste, which enhances resource utilization and promotes circular economy principles, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
Al-Arab also pointed out that construction and demolition waste represents one of the largest sources of solid waste in Qatar. The state has bolstered its waste management infrastructure through the establishment of the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre, support for tire recycling centers, and enhancement of waste sorting, collection, and processing operations. Qatar has also issued legislation and increased community awareness to support these initiatives.
In contrast, Al-Watan newspaper brought attention to the increasing settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians face attacks that threaten their property and security. The editorial highlighted incidents in Tell village near Nablus, where clashes between armed Israeli settlers and unarmed Palestinian residents have been frequent. These events, the newspaper argued, constitute war crimes necessitating international intervention to halt the violence and revive peace negotiations. Such efforts aim to enable Palestinians to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Peninsula, an English-language newspaper, reported on the dangerous and accelerating deterioration in the West Bank, which demands more international attention. While global focus remains on the war in Gaza, the newspaper stressed that violence, displacement, and settlement expansion in the West Bank have profound humanitarian and political impacts. The newspaper urged the international community to respond effectively to prevent deepening the conflict and eroding confidence in institutions meant to uphold international law.
The Peninsula concluded by asserting that meaningful diplomatic engagement is required from the UN, Security Council, EU, and influential powers to protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations. Achieving lasting peace involves respecting human dignity, adhering to international law, and addressing the conflict's root causes.