Qatar’s PM Urges Immediate Withdrawal of Israeli Forces from Syria’s Buffer Zone
Qatar’s Prime Minister demands Israel’s withdrawal from Syria’s buffer zone, criticizing its military actions. Sheikh Mohammed emphasizes Qatar’s commitment to aiding Syria’s reconstruction efforts and calls for lifting sanctions hindering humanitarian progress. He also advocates for collaborative international pressure, highlighting allegations of Israel using Iranian aggression as a pretext for military escalation in Syria.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister, has called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the United Nations-designated buffer zone in southern Syria. This statement came during a press conference in Damascus where he was accompanied by Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sheikh Mohammed condemned Israel’s actions in the region, emphasizing the need for Israel to cease its occupation of the area near the Golan Heights.
He criticized Israel’s previous military actions that included hundreds of air strikes across Syria, framing these as part of a broader campaign against supposed extremist groups, a label Israel has applied indiscriminately. Additionally, he expressed Qatar’s commitment to supporting Syria’s rebuilding efforts following years of conflict and emphasized the potential for partnerships to restore key infrastructures, such as utilities and electricity services.
Sheikh Mohammed urged for the lifting of existing sanctions that have negatively impacted Syria and its people. These sanctions were initially imposed by the United States and the European Union in response to allegations of human rights abuses by al-Assad’s regime during the ongoing war that began in 2011. Recently, the US Treasury issued a temporary license to allow certain transactions with Syria to ensure humanitarian needs are met.
Al-Sharaa, while speaking at the same conference, expressed readiness to welcome UN forces into the buffer zone and highlighted the influence of Iranian militias and Hezbollah on Israel’s actions in Syria. He suggested that with the liberation of Damascus, such militias may have diminished, thus providing Israel with dubious justification for its military advancements.
Both leaders echoed the sentiment that Qatar could play a crucial role in advocating for Israeli withdrawal alongside Western nations. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the importance of collaborative international pressure to facilitate changes in the region, indicating Qatar’s intention to extend support to rebuild Syria’s devastated infrastructure. He remarked on the significance of partnerships to drive forward these humanitarian and development initiatives for the Syrian populace.
The current geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East have been significantly influenced by Syria’s ongoing conflict, which has lasted nearly 14 years and has resulted in extensive devastation of the country’s infrastructure. The situation has exacerbated tensions in the region, particularly concerning Israeli military actions in southern Syria and the involvement of various militant groups. International sanctions imposed on the Syrian government by Western powers have further complicated the humanitarian situation, limiting access to necessary resources and support. Qatar has expressed its willingness to assist in Syria’s reconstruction efforts and play a diplomatic role in urging for peace and stability in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed’s call for Israeli forces to withdraw from the UN buffer zone reflects Qatar’s proactive diplomatic stance in the region amid the complex realities of the Syrian conflict. His commitment to support Syria’s recovery, coupled with criticism of Israeli military actions, signals Qatar’s intent to foster regional stability while advocating for the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. The prospect of lifting sanctions and the involvement of international entities may play crucial roles in shaping the future of Syria.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
