New York [US], October 2: The US will view any armed attack on Qatari territory as a threat to Washington and will provide the Gulf Arab state with security guarantees in the future.
"In light of the continued threats to the State of Qatar from foreign aggression, it is the policy of the United States to ensure the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack," the White House said in a statement on October 1.
In the event of an attack on Qatar, the US will "take all lawful and appropriate measures - including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military - to protect US interests and the State of Qatar, and restore peace and stability," according to AFP, citing an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on September 29.
The agreement was reached after the Israeli military on September 9 targeted political leaders of the Hamas armed group in Doha, Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on September 29 for the raid on Hamas leadership in Doha, pledging not to repeat it in the future. In response, Prime Minister al-Thani welcomed these commitments, emphasizing that Qatar is ready to continue to make practical contributions to regional security and stability, according to The Times of Israel .
The apology was made by Mr. Netanyahu during a three-way phone call with Mr. al-Thani and Mr. Trump at the White House.
Qatar is a key US ally in the Gulf and is home to the largest US military base in the region.
In another development, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed with President Trump a plan to end the conflict in Gaza in a phone call on October 1.
The Emir of Qatar reaffirmed his country's support for peace efforts and expressed confidence that the countries backing the plan could reach a just solution that ensures regional security and stability and protects the rights of Palestinians, according to Reuters.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
