DOHA—In a wave of statements, the State of Qatar has voiced its staunch disapproval of the recent hostilities in the Middle East, which reached a fever pitch on Saturday with a surprise assault from Palestinian militant groups on Israeli soil.
According to reports, the conflict escalated as groups mainly comprising Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched a significant offensive from the Gaza Strip, orchestrating a barrage of rockets and vehicle-transported attacks across the border onto Israeli communities and forces. The offensive, which caught Israel off guard, marked one of the most substantial attacks on Israeli soil in recent years.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was swift to respond, issuing a series of statements over the weekend. The Gulf state condemned the storming of the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by hundreds of settlers under the protection of Israeli occupation police, labeling it a gross violation of international law and a severe provocation to Muslims worldwide. MOFA further cautioned against any alterations to the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem, holding Israeli authorities accountable for the resultant cycle of violence and urging the international community to intervene to halt these assaults.
Statement | Qatar Expresses Concern over the Developments in Gaza Strip and Calls for De-escalation#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/QtoyaFDnRw
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 7, 2023
Furthermore, in a statement encapsulated by Middle East Monitor, Qatar denounced what it termed as Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. The sentiment was echoed in another statement where the foreign ministry underscored Israel’s sole responsibility for the ongoing escalation of violence with the Palestinian populace.
The statements from Qatar come at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with the shocking events of October 7 serving as a grim reminder of the region’s longstanding and often volatile geopolitical dynamics.
