Qatar’s Prime Minister has urged for Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the UN-designated buffer zone near Syria. He criticized Israel’s military encroachment which followed the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s commitment to assist in Syria’s reconstruction and to advocate for the lifting of sanctions against the country. This issue reflects broader regional dynamics involving Syria’s recovery and military presence in its territories.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, has called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the buffer zone established by the United Nations along the Syrian border. This appeal follows Israel’s military presence in the area, which intensified after the removal of Syria’s long-time leader, Bashar al-Assad. At a press conference in Damascus with Syrian authority Ahmed al-Sharaa, Sheikh Mohammed denounced Israel’s actions near the Golan Heights.
He described Israel’s occupation of the buffer zone as “reckless” and asserted that it must cease immediately. Israel entered this demilitarized area after a recent shift in power dynamics within Syria, leading to increased military actions including air strikes aimed at preventing weapons from falling into the hands of various groups, which Israel has labeled as extremists.
Furthermore, Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed his willingness to welcome UN forces back to the buffer zone, attributing Israel’s military actions to the presence of Iranian militias and Hezbollah. He posited that following the takeover of Damascus, such militias have been largely incapacitated, thus questioning Israel’s motives and justifications for its military presence in Syria.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s intent to facilitate pressure along with the United States and European nations to secure Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territories. He also affirmed Qatar’s commitment to aiding the new Syrian administration in rebuilding the nation’s devastated infrastructure and extending partnerships for future development.
The Prime Minister also urged for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, which he argued hinders the vital support for the Syrian population. These sanctions were enacted by the US and the European Union following allegations of human rights violations by the Assad government. Recently, the US Treasury allowed certain transactions with Syria to ease humanitarian efforts, although the sanctions remain in place. The EU is scheduled to meet soon to further discuss the potential lifting of sanctions on Syria.
The demand for Israeli withdrawal from the Syrian buffer zone is rooted in escalating tensions following Israel’s military action in territories adjacent to the Golan Heights. The buffer zone was established in 1974 as part of a ceasefire agreement to separate Israeli and Syrian forces. This area has recently seen an increase in military operations following significant political changes in Syria, including the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces. Qatar’s involvement suggests a broader regional interest in stabilizing Syria and fostering cooperation among nations to support both Syrian recovery and the resolution of tensions with Israel.
In conclusion, Qatar’s Prime Minister has sharply criticized Israel’s military presence in the Syrian buffer zone, labeling it as an irresponsible act. Through promises of infrastructural support and calls for sanctions relief, Qatar positions itself as a key player in the effort to stabilize Syria post-conflict. The coordination between Qatar, the United States, and European nations underscores the international dimension of the ongoing tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
