Doha, April 22 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has continued to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to affected countries despite significant regional disruptions, including transport constraints, air traffic disruptions, and wider logistical challenges linked to ongoing crises, according to humanitarian officials.

Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) maintained the implementation of planned Ramadan relief programs through coordinated regional offices and pre-established contingency planning, ensuring aid reached vulnerable populations without major interruption.

HE QRCS Secretary-General Eng. Ibrahim bin Hashim Al Sada stated that the organization's long-standing field experience and extensive partnerships enabled it to operate effectively in complex crisis environments.

He noted to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that proactive planning ahead of Ramadan allowed most relief projects to proceed as scheduled across multiple countries.

He added that despite logistical difficulties, including disruptions to supply chains and shipping constraints, QRCS continued key interventions such as Ramadan iftar programs in Lebanon and timely delivery of Eid clothing assistance to Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Jordan.

However, he acknowledged that some operations were delayed, particularly medical aid convoys bound for Sudan, where three shipments eventually arrived late, while a fourth was delayed due to current conditions.

He also pointed to ongoing access challenges in Gaza, stating that border closures and restrictions have significantly slowed the delivery of humanitarian supplies, with some planned aid still arriving in insufficient quantities to meet needs.

HE Al Sada emphasized that QRCS field teams, operating across 12 countries, continue to adapt programs in coordination with humanitarian partners to overcome logistical barriers.

He highlighted ongoing projects in countries including Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Niger, stressing that operations remain largely stable despite constraints.

In Lebanon, His Excellency noted that worsening humanitarian conditions have required continuous adjustments to aid programs based on field assessments, with priorities regularly reassessed to ensure effective and responsive assistance.

He concluded that Qatar's humanitarian sector remains committed to sustaining aid delivery through flexible and adaptive mechanisms that prioritize human dignity and urgent needs, even amid escalating regional challenges.

HE QRCS Secretary-General Eng. Ibrahim bin Hashim Al Sada stated that the organization plays a central humanitarian role as a supporting arm of the State, operating under a clear strategic vision, structured operational plans, and experienced field teams backed by extensive local and international partnerships.

He noted that QRCS operates a specialized disaster information management center that continuously monitors global humanitarian crises.

He explained that response decisions, including relief convoys and aid distribution, are guided by field data and international humanitarian appeals, and often implemented through established partnerships and operational networks.

HE Al Sada also praised Qatar's integrated humanitarian system, highlighting coordination among the Qatar Fund for Development, the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, Qatar Charity, and other organizations.

He described this coordination as a unified national approach that consolidates efforts under what he referred to as a single Qatari hand delivering aid and hope globally.

He stressed that Qatar's external humanitarian response is based on structured methodologies, field capacity, and long-standing partnerships, guided by a human-centered approach focused on supporting vulnerable populations wherever they are.

He added that QRCS remains committed to humanitarian principles and hopes for an early resolution to ongoing crises to ensure safe and effective aid delivery.

He further warned that the humanitarian impact of crises has extended beyond immediate conflict zones, affecting vulnerable communities elsewhere due to disrupted access to assistance.

Meanwhile, Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari stated that the organization implemented its Ramadan campaign "Good Starts With You" across 43 countries, reaching approximately 3.85 million beneficiaries, despite regional instability.

He told QNA that the campaign included seasonal aid programs such as iftar meals, zakat al-fitr, and Eid clothing, alongside development projects in housing, mosque construction, Quran centers, water projects, and economic empowerment initiatives.

He also highlighted emergency interventions for refugees and displaced communities, including Rohingya, Somali, Chadian, Afghan, and Yemeni populations.

Al Kuwari added that the organization launched medical initiatives, including cardiac surgeries for children and blindness treatment campaigns in several countries during Ramadan.

He attributed the success of these programs to early preparation before Ramadan, advance contracting, and coordinated implementation through 34 field offices and local partners, including procurement from local markets to support host economies.

He also noted adjustments to domestic programs in Qatar in line with safety guidelines, including delivering iftar meals to workers instead of hosting communal tents.

Additionally, he highlighted the introduction of a smart electronic voucher system to efficiently deliver assistance to low-income families while preserving privacy.

Qatar Charity has introduced a new accelerated operational mechanism enabling the immediate implementation of development and competitive projects worldwide once funding is secured, eliminating previous delays, according to its CEO Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.

He explained that the updated system is based on pre-identified project sites, early contracting through framework agreements, advance completion of permits and approvals, beneficiary selection prior to funding, and full due diligence procedures before execution.

Al Kuwari warned that ongoing regional conflict could drive up project and aid costs due to disrupted supply chains and logistical challenges.

He said the organization is preparing an emergency response plan, including increased liquidity for field offices, diversification of logistics channels and partnerships, and a revised operational strategy for 2026 to better respond to conflict-affected populations.

He highlighted the situation in Lebanon, stating that escalating military tensions since March 2026 have triggered large-scale displacement and severe humanitarian needs across multiple sectors.

He said the scale and speed of the crisis required immediate action and a revision of operational priorities.

He added that Qatar Charity has restructured its humanitarian response plan, reallocating resources and adjusting intervention mechanisms to meet rising needs while maintaining efficiency and sustainability of aid delivery.

In response to the crisis, he said the organization activated an emergency plan for March–May 2026 with a budget of $2.35 million, targeting tens of thousands of beneficiaries.

The response includes food security assistance, shelter support, rehabilitation of displacement centers, rental assistance, water and sanitation services, solar energy installations for essential facilities, and provision of medical supplies.

Al Kuwari noted that the response combines direct field operations with partnerships with local and international organizations, supported by rapid needs assessments in line with evolving conditions.

He concluded his statements to QNA by stating that Qatar Charity is closely monitoring developments and remains prepared to scale up its intervention as needed to ensure effective and dignified humanitarian assistance for affected populations. (QNA)