The phone call came after a deadly day for Lebanon, where Israel launched brutal attacks on the country, killing at least 254 people in a single day.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed solidarity with Lebanon amid continued Israeli attacks, despite a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The Amir expressed his support during a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday, according to the Amiri Diwan. The phone call dealt with the developments in Lebanon, with particular focus on “the current escalation and its repercussions on the security and stability” of the country.
“The Amir expressed his condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes that targeted Lebanon, affirming his rejection of any violation of its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They also discussed the regional and international efforts being made to contain the escalation,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.
“The Amir reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm position in support of Lebanon and its brotherly people, stressing Qatar’s readiness to provide support and assistance and to contribute to all efforts aimed at advancing de-escalation and stability,” it added.
The Lebanese Presidency separately said the Amir voiced Qatar’s “readiness to assist in any efforts that would lead to stopping the military escalation”.
“He also expressed Qatar’s solidarity with Lebanon in the difficult circumstances it is going through and its readiness to assist in any efforts that would lead to stopping the military escalation, particularly regarding the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement between the United States of America and Iran,” the statement said.
President Aoun also expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s support to his country “in all fields and circumstances, especially urgent medical equipment and relief aid”.
Qatar has long played a leading role in backing Lebanon during periods of crises, including past Israeli wars, the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, economic crisis, and various diplomatic efforts.
Qatar’s reconstruction efforts following the 2006 Israel war have been widely recognised by the Lebanese public, with banners bearing the phrase “Shukran Qatar”, Arabic for “Thank you, Qatar”, still echoing among the population.
Qatar has also consistently supported the Lebanese Army and broader state institutions as part of its efforts to help stabilise Lebanon amid worsening economic conditions.
Deadly day for Lebanon
The phone call between Sheikh Tamim and Aoun came after a deadly day for Lebanon, where Israel launched brutal attacks on the country, killing at least 254 people in a single day.
The attacks brought up the total toll in Lebanon to 1,739 since the beginning of Israel’s operation against the country on 2 March.
Israel launched 100 airstrikes on the country within 10 minutes, claiming to target Hezbollah—a justification it has long used for its violations in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s hospitals saw an influx of cases throughout the day and a high demand for blood donors. Beirut also declared Thursday as a day of national mourning.
The attacks were the deadliest since Israel launched its current military campaign on Lebanon, days after the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on 28 February.
Israel had already been attacking southern Lebanon since the beginning of the Gaza genocide in 2023, with attacks persisting despite the November 2024 ceasefire deal.
Wednesday’s attacks also came despite the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said included Lebanon.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, saying Israel’s actions undermined global efforts to establish peace.
“The Israeli actions undermine international efforts to establish peace and stability in the region and constitute a blatant violation of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles,” the statement said.