Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Doha amid rising tensions in Lebanon and Gaza due to Israeli military actions. They discussed the urgent need for de-escalation and civilian protection, with Barrot designating Qatar as a key regional player. The discussions come as the death toll from the conflict has surged, prompting international diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and political resolution.
On Saturday, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, engaged in discussions with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Doha. This meeting was part of Barrot’s regional tour aimed at addressing the escalating tensions due to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza. During their meeting, the two officials addressed the current situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, with an emphasis on the urgency of de-escalating tensions in Lebanon. “Hostilities must cease and civilians must be protected,” Barrot remarked, recognizing Sheikh Mohammed as a significant regional player in the ongoing efforts to alleviate hostilities. In a show of solidarity with Lebanon amid these tensions, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s support for the Lebanese people in a recent conversation with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Joseph Aoun. Reports indicate that Israel’s incursions into Lebanon have resulted in a staggering death toll, with as many as 1,974 casualties since the beginning of the conflict. As Israel carries on with its military operations in Gaza, the situation remains dire, with the United Nations reporting that the death toll there has exceeded 41,689, along with 96,625 injuries, as the conflict nears one year since its outset. Barrot emphasized that “de-escalation is possible,” reinforcing the notion during the beginning of his regional tour in Riyadh, where he met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss prevailing regional issues. His discussions are concurrent with comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who denounced arms sales for the conflict and emphasized the need for a political resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Macron stated, “France doesn’t ship any (arms to Israel).” This statement follows calls from Amnesty International’s French division urging both Macron and US President Joe Biden to halt arms exports to Israel, after reports indicated that France supplied Israel with military equipment worth $33 million the previous year. Barrot’s journey is set to conclude in Israel this coming Monday, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Gaza, has witnessed severe escalations that have drawn international attention. Israeli military actions in these regions have resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises, prompting responses from various global leaders and organizations. This article delineates the recent diplomatic efforts by Qatari and French officials to address the situation, reflecting the increasing urgency for a ceasefire and political negotiations in the region, as well as the scrutiny surrounding international military support for Israel.
The meeting between Qatari and French officials highlights the urgent need to address the escalating violence in Lebanon and Gaza, underscoring the critical role of diplomacy in mitigating humanitarian crises. Both Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Jean-Noël Barrot recognized the necessity for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians, underscoring Qatar’s supportive stance towards Lebanon amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression. As international discussions continue, calls for a political resolution and scrutiny of arms sales to conflict zones remain imperative to foster a sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Original Source: dohanews.co
