Qatar has announced the opening of a direct line of communication with the prominent Syrian revolutionary force Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the launch of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria. These steps demonstrate Qatar’s longstanding commitment to supporting the Syrian people’s aspirations for freedom and self-determination, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrival of the first Qatari Armed Forces plane in Gaziantep, Turkey, carrying essential supplies, including food, medical aid, and shelter materials. The operation carried out under the directives of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marks the beginning of an air bridge aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
“This aid comes as part of Qatar’s unwavering support for the Syrian people and its commitment to addressing their humanitarian needs,” the Ministry said. The effort is being coordinated by the Qatar Development Fund, with additional planes scheduled to deliver aid in the coming days.
Qatar also confirmed opening direct talks with HTS, a key player in Syria’s revolutionary movement. Negotiations are set to continue tomorrow, according to Reuters. While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the initiative signals Doha’s intention to engage with emerging Syrian leadership during the transition period.
Qatar has consistently advocated for the Syrian people’s right to freedom and self-determination throughout the 13-year-long conflict. It has repeatedly called for Bashar al-Assad’s removal, emphasizing that “Assad was the root of the problem” in Syria and accusing him of sabotaging peace processes.
In a statement before Assad’s fall, Qatar’s Prime Minister criticized the regime for squandering opportunities to rebuild trust with the Syrian people, describing Assad’s governance as marked by “procrastination and oppression.”
Following Assad’s ouster, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Muhammad bin Majed Al-Ansari praised the revolution’s efforts to protect civilians and maintain state institutions, calling the moment “a triumph of the Syrian people’s resilience and sacrifice.”
Qatar’s actions align with growing international calls for humanitarian support in Syria. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an additional £11 million ($14 million) in aid, while organizations such as UNICEF and Caritas International have emphasized the urgency of addressing widespread displacement and infrastructure needs.
Oliver Mueller of Caritas International highlighted severe shortages in Idlib province and called for a re-evaluation of sanctions to streamline humanitarian efforts. UNICEF reported that over 370,000 Syrians, primarily women and children, were displaced during the final weeks of the revolution, underscoring the dire need for immediate relief.
The fall of Assad’s regime has ushered in a new era for Syria, ending decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family. Qatar’s proactive engagement, both in humanitarian aid and diplomatic outreach, reflects its commitment to supporting Syria’s transition toward a stable and just future.
As Syrians rebuild from the ashes of conflict, Qatar’s continued advocacy for freedom, self-determination, and international solidarity promises to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s path forward.
