Doha: Al-Arab newspaper emphasized in its editorial titled "A Firm Qatari Position" that Qatar's support for Syria continues to serve as a model of Arab solidarity, whether through diplomatic engagement or humanitarian assistance, helping to reinforce the Syrian people's hopes for a secure and stable future. The newspaper highlighted that, in response to the recent Israeli escalation on Syrian territory, the foreign ministers of 11 countries, including the State of Qatar, issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Syria's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while strongly condemning the repeated Israeli attacks. This reflects a shared regional commitment to standing by the Syrian people at this critical juncture.
According to Qatar News Agency, the editorial further stressed that Qatar, which has long been at the forefront of supporting the aspirations of the Syrian people, reaffirmed its position in defense of Syria's sovereignty and independence. It pointed to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which described the Israeli attacks as a flagrant violation of international law and urged the international community to take firm action to halt these assaults that threaten regional peace and stability.
Al-Arab concluded by noting that Qatar's support has not been limited to political positions. Since the outset of the Syrian crisis, the country has also provided substantial humanitarian aid, including airlifts of food, medical supplies, and shelter materials. Moreover, Qatar recently announced a $29 million monthly grant to support salaries of public sector employees in Syria for a period of three months, with the possibility of extension.
In the same context, the English-language newspaper The Peninsula reported that the Middle East is currently gripped by anxiety and heightened tension, fueled by the ongoing military and political aggression perpetrated by Israel. The paper noted that the repeated Israeli violations of Syrian and Lebanese sovereignty, preceded by strikes on Iran and Yemen, have been accompanied by daily massacres in Gaza. These actions raise a pressing and troubling question: What is Israel's true objective in the region?
The Peninsula further commented on Israeli officials who have openly expressed ambitions over Syrian territory, claiming they seek to protect certain communities within Syria while occupying parts of Syrian territories. In a statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stressed that Israel's repeated assaults on the new Syria reflect its open disregard for international consensus, which supports Syria's reconstruction, development, and the broader goal of establishing lasting peace in the region. The newspaper concluded by reaffirming Qatar's unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to live in dignity and peace.
In its editorial titled "Qatar: An Effective International Mediator Promoting Peace," Al-Raya newspaper highlighted the State of Qatar's foreign policy, which is grounded in dialogue and mediation as tools to serve international peace and security. This approach has positioned Qatar as a prominent and trusted actor on the global mediation map and a neutral party in resolving both regional and international conflicts.
Al-Raya added that Doha has consistently contributed to international efforts aimed at de-escalating crises, citing its role in addressing the conflict in Libya and the Lebanese political crisis, particularly through its participation in the international Quint Group. Additionally, Qatar has played a significant humanitarian mediation role between Russia and Ukraine, successfully facilitating prisoner exchanges and family reunifications.
With regard to the Palestinian issue, the newspaper emphasized that Qatar emerged as a key mediator in achieving a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip. This agreement included the release of 100 hostages in exchange for 240 prisoners, the coordination of evacuations for the wounded, and the delivery of humanitarian aid, all while continuing to push for a permanent ceasefire.
The editorial further highlighted that Qatar's mediation efforts remain ongoing. Just yesterday, Doha announced the successful reunification of a new group of Russian and Ukrainian children with their families as part of its continuing role in reuniting families separated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Al-Raya concluded by affirming that Qatar undertakes all of these efforts within the framework of a strategic partnership with the United Nations. Through a comprehensive approach that combines mediation, development assistance, and humanitarian support, Qatar continues to consolidate its position as a key contributor to building and sustaining global peace.