Israel’s reckless and blatant attack on Qatar which killed several innocent people including a member of Qatar’s security forces is unprecedented for the region. This flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and disregard for all international norms and laws is an extremely dangerous escalation by the Israeli war machine.
Qatar has shown restraint to the criminal Israeli act, but as Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani affirmed, the state will take all necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty in response to this blatant attack. The Israeli aggression drew widespread condemnation from all over the world, with the leaders expressing solidarity with Qatar. The people of Qatar, including citizens and residents, have come together and rallied behind the leadership in an extraordinary show of national unity, cohesion and solidarity. The Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab world have also shown their unity and solidarity with Qatar.
H H the Amir received phone calls from dozens of world leaders, and yesterday welcomed UAE President H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who reiterated the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its support for all measures it may take to preserve its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people.
More nations have joined the global outcry over Israeli attack. China has strongly condemned the Israeli aggression and expressed its strong opposition to the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and security. Russia termed the attack a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, an assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state.
The Israeli aggression will not deter Qatar from its efforts for peace and sustainable development in the region and beyond. The national will continue its journey to further progress and prosperity under the leadership of H H the Amir. The Israeli war machine, however, needs to be reined in for the sake of peace in the Middle East. It is time to hold it accountable for its continued aggression in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere, and implement a two-state solution in the Middle East.
