Hamas has expressed its deepest condolences following the passing of Qatar's Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, paying tribute to his longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and describing him as a visionary Arab leader whose legacy will remain firmly linked to Gaza and Palestine.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamas extended its heartfelt sympathies to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family, the government and people of Qatar, as well as the wider Arab and Muslim nations over the death of the former Emir at the age of 74.

The movement described Sheikh Hamad as "a great national and Arab leader" and the architect of Qatar's modern renaissance, praying that Allah grant him mercy, forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Paradise.

Hamas praised Sheikh Hamad's decades of service to Qatar, the Muslim Ummah, and humanitarian causes, saying his contributions and honorable positions would remain permanently engraved in history.

The movement particularly highlighted the late Emir's unwavering political and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people, recalling his repeated declarations that lasting peace in the region could only be achieved through ending the Israeli occupation and enabling Palestinians to realize their legitimate national rights by establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Hamas also described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary statesman known for his bold initiatives, commitment to Arab unity, and humanitarian leadership.

The movement paid special tribute to what it called Sheikh Hamad's historic support for the Gaza Strip, recalling that he became the first Arab leader to visit Gaza after Israel imposed its blockade on the coastal enclave.

According to Hamas, the landmark visit represented a powerful message of Arab solidarity with the besieged Palestinian population, helping to break Gaza's political isolation while opening the door to reconstruction projects and renewed international attention to the humanitarian situation.

The statement further noted that Sheikh Hamad consistently emphasized that Gaza was not alone and repeatedly affirmed that supporting the Palestinian people was both an Arab and Islamic responsibility that could not be ignored.

The Qatari Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013 before transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, passed away on July 12 at the age of 74.

Throughout his leadership, Sheikh Hamad played a prominent regional role in diplomacy, humanitarian initiatives, and mediation efforts while maintaining strong political and financial support for the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where Qatar has funded major reconstruction, housing, infrastructure, education, and health projects over the years. (ILKHA)