Qatar’s Minister of Defense, Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, highlighted the destabilizing effects of the conflict in Syria, emphasizing that it poses cross-border threats and describing Gaza as “the largest open-air prison in the world” that has now become ” the largest mass grave.” These comments were made during a lecture at the Turkish Bosphorus University where he discussed global and regional issues.
Attiyah expressed concerns about the escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon, which are spilling over into Syria. He also pointed out the critical situation in Syria with over 12 million forcibly displaced Syrians.
The minister commended Turkey for hosting 3.2 million Syrian refugees but acknowledged the strain it puts on the country’s infrastructure. He stressed that the instability in Syria not only fuels cross-border threats but also directly threatens human lives in the region.
Attiyah condemned the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling it a “mass grave” and a security threat to the entire region. He criticized the expansion of settlements and the escalation of war, which hinder international efforts for peace in the region.