Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Doha amid increasing tensions in Lebanon and Gaza due to Israeli military operations, emphasizing the necessity for a ceasefire and civilian protection. Barrot’s regional tour aims to facilitate dialogue and de-escalate conflicts, aligning with similar messages from French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the call for political solutions and halting arms sales.
On Saturday, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, welcomed his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Doha amidst ongoing tensions in Lebanon and Gaza due to Israel’s military operations. During their discussions, the focused attention was on the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, along with efforts to ease hostilities in Lebanon, as reported by the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Mr. Barrot expressed the urgent need for an end to hostilities and emphasized the necessity of protecting civilian lives, stating, “Hostilities must cease and civilians must be protected.” He acknowledged Sheikh Mohammed’s significant role in the region as diplomatic solutions are sought. Recently, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s solidarity with Lebanon, confirming ongoing support following the impacts of Israeli aggressions, particularly after his communications with Lebanese leadership. The Lebanese Health Minister, Firas Abiad, indicated grim statistics as the conflict intensifies, reporting nearly 1,974 fatalities since the commencement of recent attacks in Lebanon. Concurrently, reports from the United Nations reflect devastating impacts on the Gaza Strip, with Israeli bombardments resulting in at least 41,689 deaths and 96,625 injuries. While in the region, Mr. Barrot’s mission commenced in Riyadh, where discussions with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud centered on regional dynamics. His remarks paralleled those of French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized the need for a “political solution” to the ongoing Middle Eastern tensions and called for a cessation of arms sales pertaining to the conflict in Gaza, assuring that France does not supply arms to Israel. These statements follow calls from Amnesty International’s French division urging global leaders to halt military support to Israel, citing France’s supplied military equipment valued at approximately $33 million last year. Barrot’s diplomatic tour is slated to conclude with a visit to Israel on Monday, following substantial discussions in Doha and Riyadh, indicating France’s proactive diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs.
The ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza have escalated due to intensified military actions from Israel, leading to considerable casualties and humanitarian crises. The meeting between Qatari and French officials reflects the active engagement of regional and global players in seeking resolutions to such conflicts. Qatari leadership has positioned itself as a key supporter of Lebanon amid hostilities, while French officials advocate for diplomatic solutions and cessation of military actions in the region. The humanitarian toll of the conflicts is stark, with high fatality figures reported both in Lebanon and Gaza, sparking discussions on international arms trade and military support.
In conclusion, the meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Jean-Noël Barrot highlights the urgent need for diplomatic intervention amidst the escalating crises in Lebanon and Gaza. Both leaders advocate for an immediate ceasefire and emphasize the importance of civilian protection in ongoing hostilities. The significant casualties reported underscore the humanitarian urgency, compelling diplomatic and political leaders to prioritize ceasefire negotiations and reassess military engagements in the region.
Original Source: dohanews.co
