Qatar postpones National Day celebrations in solidarity with Gaza
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Doha: Qatar has postponed National Day celebrations as a show of solidarity with Gaza, which has been embroiled in the fierce war between Israel and Hamas since October 7.
“A directive has been issued by the Emir and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to postpone the celebration of this year’s National Day for our Armed Forces,” Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khaled Al-Attiyah said in a video clip posted on X, on Monday, November 20.
“This postponement is the least we can do regarding what is happening to our brothers in Gaza in terms of genocide and crimes against humanity,” he added.
The move comes after a similar decision taken by the Sultanate of Oman to cancel its celebrations for the 53rd anniversary of the Omani National Day, which falls on November 18 of each year.
Qatar’s National Day, celebrated on December 18 each year, honours its founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, who established the modern state and united the country.
The Qatari Army annually hosts the “National March” event on National Day, featuring a military parade with the Emir and state officials in attendance.
