Doha: Qatari newspapers addressed the strong condemnation and deep concern expressed by the foreign ministries of the State of Qatar, 13 Arab and Islamic countries, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding recent statements made by the US ambassador to Israel. These statements indicated acceptance of Israel exercising control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers unanimously affirmed that this consensus reaffirms adherence to the principles of international law, foremost among them the rejection of annexing territory by force or undermining the territorial integrity of Palestinian land. They warned of the dangers of allowing inflammatory political statements to act as a cover for expansionist practices that would undermine prospects for a comprehensive settlement. The joint statement reaffirmed the absolute rejection of any threat to the sovereignty of Arab states, any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip, as well as the expansion of settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
On the local front, the newspapers praised the strategic and operational achievements accomplished by KAHRAMAA during 2025, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, enhanced governance, and sustainability efforts aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The newspapers also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs in supporting and empowering people with disabilities. The organization achieves this by providing comprehensive programs that promote independence and foster greater social inclusion, while raising public awareness and supporting initiatives aimed at improving quality of life.
In its editorial, Al-Raya newspaper described the joint diplomatic stance as reflecting a shared vision and responsibility toward just Arab and Islamic causes. It said that the joint statement issued by a wide range of countries and regional and international organizations, amongst them the State of Qatar, seeks to put an end to attempts to legitimize occupation and entrench the logic of imposing faits accompli by force. The newspaper added that the statements made by the US ambassador to Israel were met with categorical rejection and strong condemnation, constituting a serious violation of the foundations of international law and the United Nations Charter, and a direct threat to regional security and stability.
The newspaper emphasized that any rhetoric justifying control over others’ territories or diminishing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people cannot be separated from the cycle of escalation and violence, nor does it align with genuine efforts to establish peace or open a just and comprehensive political horizon. That being said, it noted that the US administration has presented a comprehensive vision and plan to end the conflict in Gaza, aimed at containing escalation and paving the way for a comprehensive settlement that guarantees the Palestinian people the establishment of their independent state.
Al-Raya concluded by saying that the collective stance extends beyond political condemnation, carrying a clear message to the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities regarding ongoing violations. It urged serious action to curb inflammatory rhetoric that legitimizes occupation, risking further tension in the region. Continued silence or leniency toward such provocative statements, it warned, would amount to implicit encouragement of undermining international order and weakening efforts for a just and lasting peace.
Al-Sharq newspaper said in its editorial that it was unsurprising that the ambassador’s provocative remarks were met with widespread Arab and Islamic rejection. It said that the remarks represent a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. Instead of building towards peace, this fuels extremism, encourages Israel to continue illegal actions, escalates tensions, and poses a grave threat to regional security and stability.
The paper added that the statements contradict established US foreign policy principles and the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza based on de-escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that guarantees Palestinians their independent state.
Al-Sharq concluded that responsibility demands putting an end to such inflammatory statements and confronting expansionist policies and unlawful measures pursued by Israel, which encourage violence. Peace cannot be achieved without restoring the full rights of the Palestinian people. Most importantly, their right to self-determination, the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 lines, and the end of the occupation of all Arab territories.