The handshake between the Emir of Qatar and the Israeli President stirs controversy on social media… Details
The image of the handshake between the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) held in Dubai sparked widespread debate on social media.
Herzog’s office shared a picture of the two men shaking hands, even though Qatar does not have official diplomatic relations with Israel. Qatar played a role in mediating a week-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that ended on Friday. The handshake and meeting between the two sides put Qatar’s supporters in an awkward position, especially since the media arms affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood do not hesitate to praise Qatar’s mediation in the ceasefire and its role in supporting Palestinians. Additionally, Qatar’s Al Jazeera channel intensively criticizes Israel.
Israeli journalist Rohi Kais commented on the circulated image on his former Twitter platform, saying, “A historic image! President of Israel Herzog shakes hands with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim during the climate conference in Dubai.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment on the handshake, while activists on social media extensively shared the image, amid widespread criticism of Doha regarding what is said in its media and echoed by the Muslim Brotherhood about its absolute support for Palestinians. Many activists went on to analyze Qatar’s contradictory policies, questioning the real role of Qatar behind the slogans it promotes and the propaganda in the media.
The Israeli President is participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference “COP 28” and will hold talks with diplomats on the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP). His visit comes weeks after the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas and coincides with an extension of a ceasefire for an additional day after lasting for six days. Israel is set to resume its aggression on Gaza, amid negotiations to extend the ceasefire for the release of more hostages.
The Israeli Presidency stated in a release that Herzog will hold “a series of diplomatic meetings on the importance of releasing the hostages held by Hamas” during the COP 28 conference, attended also by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The COP28 activities kicked off in Dubai on Thursday, with the participation of more than 180 heads of state and governments from around the world, according to the official UAE news agency.
