Qatar PM Urges Israel to Withdraw from Strategic Syria Buffer Zone
In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, has called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from a United Nations-designated buffer zone in Syria. This demand comes in the wake of Israeli troops entering the region following the recent downfall of Syria’s long-standing leader, Bashar al-Assad.
During a press conference held in Damascus on Thursday alongside the de facto Syrian ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, Sheikh Mohammed expressed strong criticism of Israel’s military actions in the area near the Golan Heights. He described the Israeli occupation as a “reckless act” and urged for an immediate withdrawal.
Key points from Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks include:
- Immediate Withdrawal: Sheikh Mohammed demanded Israel to pull back its forces from the buffer zone.
- Criticism of Occupation: He condemned the Israeli military’s actions as reckless and harmful to regional stability.
- Support for Syria: Qatar pledged to assist with the rehabilitation of Syria’s infrastructure, which has suffered from nearly 14 years of conflict.
Israel’s military presence in the buffer zone, which lies adjacent to the Golan Heights and separates Israel from Syria, was established after the toppling of al-Assad by opposition forces led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which is aligned with al-Sharaa. This area has historically been designated as a demilitarized zone under a UN-brokered ceasefire agreement from 1974.
In addition to its ground forces, Israel has also conducted numerous airstrikes across Syria, claiming these actions are part of a broader strategy to prevent weapons from reaching “extremists.” The term “extremists” has been used by Israel to refer to various groups operating within Syria, including HTS.
During the same press conference, al-Sharaa indicated that Syria is prepared to accept UN forces into the buffer zone, suggesting a willingness to cooperate with international entities to stabilize the region.
Sheikh Mohammed further elaborated on Qatar’s commitment to supporting Syria, stating, “We will provide the necessary technical support to make the infrastructure operational again and provide support to the electricity sector.” He emphasized Qatar’s readiness to work closely with Syria, extending a hand for future partnerships.
Moreover, he called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, which have hampered the nation’s recovery efforts. In a related development, the US Department of the Treasury recently issued a general license that allows certain transactions with the Syrian government, including specific energy sales and incidental transactions. While this action does not lift existing sanctions, it aims to ensure that humanitarian assistance and public services are not obstructed.
The European Union is also set to convene at the end of January to discuss the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syria, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for humanitarian relief in the war-torn country.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, the situation remains fluid. The international community is closely watching how these developments will unfold, particularly concerning humanitarian efforts and regional stability.
In summary, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed, has made a strong case for Israel’s withdrawal from the buffer zone in Syria, criticizing the ongoing occupation while also pledging support for Syria’s recovery and infrastructure rehabilitation. This situation underscores the complex interplay of regional politics and humanitarian needs in a country that has faced prolonged conflict.
