Qatar PM Blasts Israel, Appreciates Arab, Islamic Support Ahead of Summit
DOHA, QATAR - In a strongly worded statement, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani condemned Israel's "barbaric attack" on the country and expressed gratitude for the support of Arab and Islamic nations.
Speaking during a closed-door session of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, Sheikh Mohammed said: "We appreciate the solidarity of brotherly Arab and Islamic countries and friendly countries from the international community that condemned this barbaric Israeli attack. It has expressed its full support for us and the legitimate legal measures we will take to preserve the sovereignty of our country."
The statement comes ahead of a summit in Doha, where Arab and Islamic states are set to agree on a unified response to Israel's recent strikes on Qatar.
Background: Tensions between Qatar and Israel have been escalating in recent weeks, with Israel launching several airstrikes on Qatari territory. The attacks have sparked widespread condemnation from the international community, including from Arab and Islamic nations.
Sheikh Mohammed's statement is seen as a clear indication of Qatar's resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We will not stand idly by while our country is attacked," he said. "We will take all necessary measures to protect ourselves and our people."
The summit in Doha is expected to bring together representatives from over 20 Arab and Islamic countries, as well as international observers. The meeting aims to coordinate a unified response to Israel's aggression and explore ways to strengthen regional cooperation.
Implications: Sheikh Mohammed's statement has significant implications for the region, where tensions between Qatar and Israel have been escalating in recent weeks. The summit in Doha is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and promoting regional stability.
Next Developments: The outcome of the summit will be closely watched by international observers, who are eager to see how Arab and Islamic nations respond to Israel's aggression. In the meantime, Qatar has called on the international community to condemn Israel's actions and support its efforts to defend its sovereignty.
Attribution:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister: "We appreciate the solidarity of brotherly Arab and Islamic countries and friendly countries from the international community that condemned this barbaric Israeli attack. It has expressed its full support for us and the legitimate legal measures we will take to preserve the sovereignty of our country."
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*Reporting by Aljazeera.*