Qatar, Iran discuss Gaza, Lebanon, seek regional de-escalation

By Ibrahim Khazen

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed recent developments in Gaza and Lebanon with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, focusing on de-escalation efforts in the region, according to a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry reported that during a phone call, the two officials reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen and enhance cooperation.

They also exchanged views on the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon, along with potential measures to de-escalate tensions in the region, the ministry added.

Regional tensions have escalated due to Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 43,000 people, mostly women and children, following a Hamas attack last year.

The conflict spread to Lebanon with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country, killing over 2,800 people and injuring more than 12,900 others since last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Despite international warnings that the Middle East region was on the brink of a regional war amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.