Qatar and France have called for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The demand came in a joint statement released by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, following talks in Doha between Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French leader visited the Qatari capital during a wider tour of the Gulf region.
Both nations rejected any potential annexation of the occupied West Bank. They demanded an immediate halt to Israeli settlement expansion and violence committed by settlers in the territory.
The joint statement called for implementing a Gaza ceasefire. This must include agreed arrangements for troop withdrawals and the rapid, safe delivery of humanitarian aid without obstruction.
Doha and Paris reiterated their backing for Palestinian elections and a two-state solution. The leaders also addressed wider regional conflicts during their meeting.
On Iran, Qatar and France condemned military strikes against regional neighbours. They urged Tehran to pursue diplomacy to guarantee the exclusively peaceful aims of its nuclear programme.
The two countries demanded the normalisation of unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. France commended Qatari mediation efforts aimed at lowering regional friction.
Regarding Lebanon, the leaders supported executing the tripartite framework agreement. This plan seeks to secure Lebanese sovereignty, achieve a full Israeli withdrawal and disarm Hezbollah.
They expressed concern over a potential security vacuum after the United Nations peacekeeping mandate ends. International backing for Lebanese state institutions and the armed forces must continue, according to the statement.
On Syria, both governments stated they were prepared to back stability and economic recovery initiatives alongside Syrian authorities. Beyond regional diplomacy, Qatar and France agreed to broaden cooperation in defence, security and the economy.
President Macron’s tour also included stops in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The visits focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
