Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Doha to discuss escalating tensions in Lebanon and Gaza due to Israeli military operations. Barrot emphasized the need to protect civilians and cease hostilities. Sheikh Mohammed confirmed Qatar’s solidarity with Lebanon, and reports indicated significant casualties in both regions due to ongoing violence. This meeting coincides with wider diplomatic efforts by France to advocate for a political resolution in the Middle East.
On a recent visit to Doha, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani engaged in discussions with Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister of Digital Transition and Telecommunications. This meeting is set against the backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon due to Israel’s military operations. The Qatari Foreign Ministry reported that during their discussions, the two leaders addressed the critical situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, alongside efforts to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon. In a statement issued following the meeting, Minister Barrot emphasized, “Hostilities must cease and civilians must be protected.” He further acknowledged Sheikh Mohammed as a “key regional player” in ongoing efforts to mitigate hostilities in the affected regions. Last week, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s solidarity with Lebanon during calls with Najib Mikati, the Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister, and Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. He vowed that Qatar would continue to support the Lebanese people amid the ongoing Israeli aggression. As the aggression from Israeli forces continues, Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, reported that the death toll has reached 1,974 since the onset of these attacks. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with the United Nations’ humanitarian office revealing that the Israeli bombardment has claimed at least 41,689 lives and injured 96,625 since the conflict intensified. During his regional tour, Minister Barrot expressed optimism regarding the potential for de-escalation, stating, “De-escalation is possible.” He commenced his journey in Riyadh, where he met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, to discuss regional dynamics. This diplomatic tour aligns with remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who highlighted the necessity of prioritizing a political solution to the discord in the Middle East. During an interview, President Macron also called for a cessation of arms sales for use in Gaza, affirming that, “France doesn’t ship any (arms to Israel).” In light of these developments, Amnesty International’s French division previously urged both Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden to halt arms supplies to the Israeli government. According to the French media outlet Mediapart, France sold approximately $33 million in military equipment to Israel over the past year, as outlined in a parliamentary defense report. Minister Barrot’s diplomatic tour will culminate in Israel this coming Monday, as previously reported by Al Jazeera.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and Gaza has drawn international attention due to the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli military actions. The situation has escalated, leading to a significant loss of life and widespread suffering among civilians. Diplomatic engagement in the region is critical, as nations seek to navigate the complexities of international relations while advocating for human rights and protection of civilian life amid the hostilities. Qatar has positioned itself as a mediator and supporter for affected populations, while France is actively participating in dialogues aimed at finding a resolution to the tensions.
In conclusion, the meeting between Qatari and French officials underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and the protection of civilians amid the violent conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Amid calls for a political solution and an end to arms shipments to the region, the international community remains watchful of developments. As the diplomatic efforts unfold, the priority continues to be the cessation of hostilities and the reinforcement of humanitarian support for those affected by the ongoing violence.
Original Source: dohanews.co
