Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) held Tuesday a virtual meeting with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to discuss the latest developments in the global humanitarian arena, focusing particularly on the large-scale destruction of Gaza Strip following the brutal aggression.

The meeting was co-chaired by HE QRCS President Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al-Thani and IFRC President Francesco Rocca.

During the meeting, HE QRCS President Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al-Thani appreciated the position taken by IFRC regarding the bombing of QRCSs office in Gaza, stressing QRCS's committeemen to the fundamental principles and continuing its humanitarian job in Gaza, Al-Quds, and everywhere.

He welcomed the mutual visits to Doha and Geneva, respectively, in order to strengthen relations and upscale the ongoing coordination on humanitarian issues with IFRCs MENA, Africa, and other regional offices.

For his part, IFRC President Francesco Rocca said: "My heart was broken when I watched, unfortunately once again, the tragedy that happened in Gaza."

"The violence affected not only the most vulnerable people of Gaza, but this time also our premises. When there is an office of a National Society, it is not just the office of a National Society; it was our office, because we are one body. I felt really sad for hearing that," he added.

"I want also to use this occasion to reiterate my gratitude. Since many years, QRCS has been very close to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). They do a great work, and I know you support them a lot. I would like to thank you for giving international support, not only in Palestine but also in many countries of the world. Also, there is your recent stand for providing vaccines for the vulnerable everywhere," he added.

As agreed upon, the IFRC President will be updated about the action plan of QRCSs Fair Access to COVID-19 Vaccination initiative, which is set to begin very soon. Another point of concern was to address the negative socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, which, if not eradicated, will affected the whole world.

HE Secretary-General of QRCS Ambassador Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi revealed preparations for deploying more aid shipments to the people of Palestine. He looked forward to closer understanding with IFRC, as well as the Italian Red Cross, which is chaired by Rocca. This, he asserted, builds on the good relations between Qatar and Italy.

(QNA)