Amir: Israel expanding aggression as part of pre-planned agenda

Published: 16 October 2024

• Amir inaugurates Shura Council’s ordinary session
• Qatar’s economic growth to jump to 4.1% annually during 2025-2029
• Amir calls for referendum on holding Shura Council elections

QNA/Agencies
Doha

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on Tuesday that Israel was deliberately expanding its aggression as part of a pre-planned agenda against Lebanon and the occupied West Bank.

Amir was speaking at the inauguration of the fourth ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council, at Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Shura Council’s headquarters.

Amir touched on a wide range of subjects in his speech.

Amir warned of escalating violence with potential consequences for neighbouring countries and the broader region.

“We have repeatedly warned of the dangerous escalation of Israeli aggression, which expands every day,” Sheikh Tamim said, adding that the “easiest and safest way” to de-escalate the situation on Lebanon’s borders is to halt the “genocidal war on Gaza.”

The Amir also said that Israel’s strategy of destruction would not succeed against Palestinians, who he described as steadfast in their legitimate rights. He affirmed that Qatar remains committed to mediating for a ceasefire, despite the challenges facing diplomatic efforts.

On economy, the Amir said despite the expected growth decline between 2022 and 2023 for known reasons related to the completion of World Cup projects and the accomplishment of basic infrastructure projects and other reasons, the local economy continued to grow during 2023. Estimates indicate that the GDP at constant prices has grown by 1.2%, supported by the growth of the hydrocarbon sector by 1.4% and the non-hydrocarbon sector by 1.1%.

“The IMF estimates that the local economy will grow by 2% at the end of the current year, with growth rates jumping to 4.1% annually during the medium term (2025-2029) propped up by gas production expansion projects, manufactur-ing projects, and the Third National Development Strategy initiatives,” the Amir said.

The state continues to direct its general budget surpluses towards reducing public debt and increasing financial re-serves.

The state has managed to reduce public debt level from nearly 73% of GDP in 2020 to less than 44% by the end of 2023.

Amir also called for a new referendum for citizens to vote on a proposal to appoint members of the Shura Council in-stead of holding elections, in an effort to consolidate national unity.

“I have directed the referral of the draft constitutional amendments, including the return to the system of appointing members of the Shura Council, to your esteemed council for the necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the constitution while the Council of Ministers will take the necessary measures regarding the proposed amend-ments,” Sheikh Tamim said.