Qatar and France jointly called for unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz and for the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza, following a meeting between Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron in Doha.

A statement released on Wednesday emphasized that both leaders underscored the need to restore freedom of navigation in the strait without constraints or fees. The call comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, with Qatari mediator Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi noting that discussions to reopen the waterway remain active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance.

The joint statement also condemned Iranian military actions against regional countries as a serious breach of international law. It called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in accordance with agreed arrangements and urged the urgent, safe, and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid without conditions.

The United Nations World Food Programme reported that approximately 1.4 million people in Gaza — about two-thirds of the population — are experiencing acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse. France and Qatar reiterated their opposition to any annexation of the West Bank and called for an end to Israeli settlement policies and settler violence.

On Lebanon, the two nations expressed support for the full implementation of the Trilateral Framework Agreement to restore sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, and ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal. They also warned against a security vacuum following the end of the UN peacekeeping mission’s mandate, urging continued international support for Lebanese authorities and armed forces.

Regarding Syria, Qatar and France indicated readiness to jointly support stabilization and economic recovery projects in coordination with Syrian authorities. Beyond regional issues, the two countries agreed to expand defense, security, and economic cooperation.

Macron’s regional tour, which included visits to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, aimed to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships and support efforts to restore regional stability and ensure unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.