Qatar says Lebanon occupation must end as U.S.-Iran deal nears finalization

Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Monday that Israel's continued control of Lebanese territory must end and Lebanon's sovereignty must be fully respected. He said understandings have already been reached on the crises in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, with dedicated mechanisms now in place to deal with them, while a final, lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran is being shaped.

Al Thani said the United States is acting correctly regarding Israel's actions in Lebanon, but called it unacceptable that nearly 100 Lebanese civilians were killed within days under the ceasefire arrangement. He said the new mechanism is meant to prevent regional escalation and stop unusual incidents before they spiral.

He also accused Benjamin Netanyahu of once again driving regional escalation, saying any security deterioration, in Lebanon or elsewhere, would directly affect the negotiations. Despite efforts by actors seeking to sabotage the talks, he said both sides are determined to reach a solution.

According to Al Thani, the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran is intended to end the fighting and create a stable basis for negotiations. He said significant efforts were made with partners in Pakistan and with backing from regional states.