Qatar warns against Israeli attempts to “impose new reality” in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon

Qatar on Tuesday warned against what it described as Israeli attempts to exploit heightened regional tensions to impose a “new reality” in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, while calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari made the remarks during a press conference addressing renewed regional tensions, including recent Iranian attacks and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.

“The renewed escalation in the region is not in anyone’s interest, and de-escalation and a return to negotiations are necessary,” al-Ansari said.

He also called for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank and warned against Israel using the wider regional crisis to advance its objectives in neighbouring territories.

READ: Palestinian commission records 2,030 Israeli army and settler attacks in West Bank in August

“The Israeli escalation in Gaza and the West Bank must be stopped, and Tel Aviv must stop exploiting the events in the region to impose a new reality in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria,” he said.

Al-Ansari said Qatar remained engaged in discussions with regional and international partners aimed at reducing tensions, reaching a political solution and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

He described the situation as an international crisis and said Gulf states were continuing mediation efforts to prevent further escalation. Qatar’s contacts with Tehran have focused on supporting efforts to stabilize the region and end the current crisis, he added.

Al-Ansari said Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was holding consultations with regional and international partners, emphasizing de-escalation and the reopening of the strait.

READ: Guterres urges end to Israeli strikes in Gaza, occupier violence in West Bank