The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar have released official statements concerning the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions, including Hamas. Both nations have expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence and have called for immediate de-escalation and the protection of civilians. Interestingly, both statements hold Israel responsible for the current situation, albeit with nuanced differences in their approaches.
Qatar’s Statement: A Direct Accusation Against Israel
The State of Qatar’s statement is more direct in its accusation against Israel. It holds Israel “solely responsible for the ongoing escalation” due to its “ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.” Qatar specifically mentions the “repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Israeli police” as the latest in a series of violations.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for urgent international action to “compel Israel to stop its flagrant violations of international law” and to respect international resolutions and the “historical rights of the Palestinian people.”
The statement reiterates Qatar’s “firm position” on the “justice of the Palestinian cause” and calls for the establishment of an “independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.