Nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish in its count between fighters and noncombatants. Israel says it has killed 10,000 militants, without providing evidence.

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The emir of Qatar spoke in Paris of “a race against time” to secure hostage releases as part of the diplomatic push for a ceasefire.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who was attending a dinner in his honour hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, noted that their two countries were working intensely on Gaza diplomacy but also spoke about the mounting casualties.

“The world sees a genocide of the Palestinian people. Hunger, forced displacement, savage bombardments are used as weapons. And the international community still hasn’t managed to adopt a unified position to end the war in Gaza and provide the strict minimum of protection for children, women and civilians,” the Qatari leader said, speaking through a translator.

South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians, and has filed a case at the United Nations’ top court, the International Court of Justice. Israel adamantly denies the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law.

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“We are in a race against time to bring the hostages back to their families and at the same time we must work to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Thani said.

Meanwhile, five organisations supporting the families of those held hostage have been awarded Israel’s prestigious 2024 Genesis prize.

The $US1 million ($1.5 million) award is usually given to a person for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values.

“The purpose of this year’s award is not to influence policy, but to raise international awareness of the plight of the hostages and provide humanitarian assistance focused on recovery, rehabilitation, and treatment,” said Stan Polovets, a co-founder of the prize.

The recipients include the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a grassroots group that sprung up following the October 7 attack to advocate for the return of the abductees.

Prize money will also go to the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror; Lev Echad; Natal-The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Centre; and OneFamily.

AP

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