• Qatar's PM calls for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from the demilitarized buffer zone with Syria.
• Israeli strikes have raised tensions after three civilians were killed in southern Syria.
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani pledges support for Syria's reconstruction and infrastructure.
• International forces are welcomed to help restore stability in the buffer zone.
• Calls for lifting sanctions on Syria intensify amid ongoing humanitarian needs.

In a significant diplomatic move, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister, has demanded that Israel “immediately withdraw” its forces from the United Nations-established buffer zone bordering Syria. This announcement follows a surge in tensions after an Israeli airstrike in Ghadir al-Bustan claimed the lives of three individuals.

During a press conference held alongside Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Sheikh Mohammed criticized Israel's military incursion into the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, which had been a demilitarized area as part of a ceasefire agreement since 1974. “The Israeli occupation’s seizure of the buffer zone is a reckless act, and it must immediately withdraw,” emphasized Sheikh Mohammed, who also pledged support for rebuilding Syria's infrastructure devastated by years of conflict.

Ahmad al-Sharaa echoed these sentiments, stating that Israel's presence was unjustified following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. He noted, “Israel advanced into the buffer zone under the pretext of the presence of Iranian militias, but this excuse no longer holds after Damascus was liberated.” This rescue of the Syrian capital by the opposition and the subsequent territorial changes have prompted international debate regarding military presence in the region.

The recent airstrike, which targeted a convoy believed to be carrying weapons and includes individuals linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has further escalated tensions between the new Syrian administration and Israel. Following this incident, local officials and residents have voiced their outrage, demanding an end to Israeli aggression. Al-Sharaa stated, “These areas belong to the Syrian people, not the regime,” urging respect for Syrian sovereignty.

Sheikh Mohammed also made a case for lifting Western sanctions imposed on Syria, arguing that they have detrimental effects on humanitarian efforts and the government’s ability to assist its citizens. He asserted, “Sanctions will have a negative impact on the support provided to Syria and the Syrian people.” Discussions related to these sanctions are set to continue, with the European Union scheduling a meeting later in the month to deliberate on sanctions relief.

The international community is now being called upon to exercise pressure on Israel, with both Saudi leaders and Sheikh Mohammed emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts alongside Western and European nations. The increasing unrest and humanitarian crisis in the region serve as a backdrop for these urgent calls to action, highlighting the intersection of military, political, and humanitarian interests in Syria.

As the geopolitical dynamics evolve, the role of Qatar and its allies in pursuing stability in the region will be closely monitored, especially as they advocate for humanitarian assistance and the restoration of Syrian sovereignty amidst ongoing crises.