Doha, October 24 (RHC)-- Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has expressed concerns about Israel’s escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community not to grant the occupying regime “unrestricted authorization” to kill Palestinians.

He made the remarks in an annual speech to open Qatar’s Shura Council on Monday as Israel’s bloody bombing campaign on the besieged Gaza, home to more than 2 million people, entered its 18th day.  “We say enough. Israel shouldn’t be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorization to kill,” Sheikh Tamim said.

He also faulted the international community for turning a blind eye to the Palestinian children, adding, “We do not accept double standards and acting like the lives of Palestinian children aren’t accounted for, as if they don’t have faces or names.”

The Qatari emir further said that Israel’s violent acts in Palestine go against all international laws and religious and social morals.  “We call for a serious regional and international stance against this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, which threatens the security of the region and the world,” he added.

Qatar is currently engaged in mediating efforts between Israel and Hamas that led to the release of four captives by the Palestinian resistance movement.

The Tel Aviv regime has killed over 5,087 Palestinians, including 2,055 children, and injured 15,273 others in its relentless airstrikes. About 1,500 people have been reported missing and are presumed to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

Israel has also blocked water, food and electricity to Gaza, plunging the coastal sliver into a humanitarian crisis.