The King yesterday convened five leading charities operating in the Middle East to focus resources on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region.
Charles, who is president of the British Red Cross, held an audience at Buckingham Palace to ‘discuss the acute humanitarian situation’.
The King has already expressed deep concern about the crisis, and has asked to be kept ‘actively updated’ on it. Earlier this month he said he was ‘appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel’ and has spoken to the Israeli president personally.
But sources say the sovereign is also keen to use his ‘lifelong experience of the Middle East’ to support those in need ‘across the boundaries of faith and community’.
Concern: The King meets workers from aid organisations yesterday
Message: Zeina, nine, said: ‘I have been displaced five times… I feel sad as my brother died in one of these strikes and I did not have a chance to say goodbye. I miss my neighbours and I miss my friends. I no longer play. Our life is a nightmare… please let the war end’
Yesterday he held an audience with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, whose country has joined many Arab states in condemning the civilian casualties of the Israeli response to Hamas’ terror attacks.
It is understood their talks included the importance of tolerance at times of global turmoil. He then met the Red Cross head of region for the Middle East, the vice chairman of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), and representatives from Unicef UK and Christian Aid.
MAP representatives shared a message from colleague Nawraz Abu Libdeh’s daughter Zeina, nine, with the King. She said: ‘I have been displaced five times… I feel sad as my brother died in one of these strikes and I did not have a chance to say goodbye. I miss my neighbours and I miss my friends. I no longer play. Our life is a nightmare… please let the war end.’
A spokesman said: ‘His Majesty’s expression of care for Medical Aid for Palestinians’ staff in Gaza was deeply appreciated.’ While condemning Hamas’ terror attacks, Charles has tried to emphasise the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
It is unlikely that his late mother would have convened such meetings, showing the King’s desire to be a more active monarch.