Doha: In their editorials on Thursday, Qatari newspapers addressed a range of local and regional developments. Locally, the newspapers highlighted Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support and empower youth through the launch of pioneering initiatives in technology, education, and sports.
According to Qatar News Agency, regionally, the newspapers expressed deep concern over the dangerous escalation in southern Syria. They warned that the Israeli attacks on the city of As-Suwayda signal attempts to impose a new reality in the region under flimsy pretexts. In this context, Al-Watan newspaper wrote in its editorial that Israel’s threats and attacks on Syria are not new, but have now taken on extremely dangerous dimensions that risk igniting the situation in the country, with the ultimate aim of fragmenting and dividing it.
The newspaper noted that after carrying out intense airstrikes targeting Syrian army bases and weapons depots, Israel has begun infiltrating the demilitarized border zone, establishing new military outposts. It added that Israel has found an opportunity in the unfortunate events unfolding in southern Syria to further its expansion, under the pretense of protecting one side or another. However, the real objective behind these actions, according to Al-Watan, is to restore the prestige of its army and reassert its status as the dominant military force in the Middle East.
The editorial concluded by stressing that there must be a genuine Arab response to put an end to these interventions, which aim to impose a new reality that goes far beyond the borders of southern Syria and Lebanon.
For its part, Al-Sharq newspaper warned of the consequences of the latest Israeli attacks on Syria, describing them as a dangerous escalation that threatens the security of the entire region. The newspaper highlighted Qatar’s condemnation of the airstrikes launched by the Israeli occupation on the Syrian Arab Republic. It stated that since the outbreak of the ongoing aggression and genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the Israeli entity has continued to destabilize the region’s security with impunity, unchallenged by an international community that remains unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps to confront these provocative acts that jeopardize regional security.
The newspaper added that Wednesday’s Israeli attacks were not unprecedented, as such blatant violations of Syrian sovereignty have occurred repeatedly, despite continued international efforts to restore peace and stability in Syria. These assaults, the paper argued, reflect the defiance of the far-right Israeli government against international will and its rejection of efforts to rebuild a new Syria and promote peace in the region.
Al-Sharq welcomed the announcement of successful communications between regional and international capitals and the relevant parties, which have led to agreement on steps aimed at ending violence in Syria and preventing further escalation in the region, calling it a positive move in the right direction. The newspaper concluded by stressing the urgent need for the international community to assume its responsibility by taking firm action against the Israeli occupation, in order to deter its aggressive policies and irresponsible behavior, which pose a serious threat to both regional and international security.