Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs renewed Doha’s support for Lebanon and called for an immediate end to Israeli attacks during a phone call with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, has condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon and the expansion of Israeli ground operations in the country’s south during a phone call with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri.
According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, Al-Khulaifi discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in Lebanon during the call on Saturday.
The minister expressed Qatar’s “strong condemnation and denunciation” of ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including what he described as the expansion of Israeli ground incursions in southern Lebanon and the targeting of civilians.
He said the actions constituted a “flagrant violation” of Lebanon’s sovereignty, a breach of international law and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security, stability and efforts to reduce tensions.
Al-Khulaifi called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks and urged full compliance with the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions.
He also called on the international community to take a firm stance to stop Israeli violations and ensure respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Qatari minister reaffirmed Doha’s longstanding support for Lebanon and its people.
The remarks came as fighting continued in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire that entered into force on 16 April and was later extended for a second time on 15 May for 45 days.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that the cumulative death toll from Israeli attacks since 2 March had risen to 3,412, with a further 10,269 people wounded, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).
The latest escalation has seen Israeli forces push beyond the Litani River and towards the outskirts of Nabatieh, marking Israel’s deepest advance into Lebanese territory in more than 25 years, according to an analysis published by Al Jazeera.
The report said Israeli troops had reached areas near Zawtar al Sharqiyah and Choukine and captured the strategic Beaufort Castle, while evacuation orders have expanded northwards towards the Zahrani River.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said the advance suggested Israeli objectives may have expanded beyond pushing Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani River, raising concerns about the establishment of a deeper security zone and prolonged military control over parts of southern Lebanon.
