Qatar’s emir has issued a stinging rebuke of Israel in opening remarks of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Doha, Al Jazeera reports.

“Israel’s occupation forces have violated all political, ethical and humanitarian values,” Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani said in translated comments.

“It is a disgrace upon the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue […] with systemic and purposeful killing of innocent unarmed civilians,” Sheikh Tamim added in his opening address.

“This is a genocide committed by Israel.”

The Qatari emir added that Palestinians should be commended for “holding steadfast to their just cause” and called on the need for a full lasting ceasefire.