Qatar has expressed its rejection of the US recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign affairs reiterated Qatar's firm position on the principle that the Golan Heights is occupied Arab land.

The statement stressed that helping the Israeli occupation to disdain UN resolutions related to the occupied Golan Heights, especially Security Council resolution 497 (1981), will not alter the fact that Golan is occupied Arab land and that Israel's imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Golan is without any legal effect.

The statement stressed the need for Israel to comply with the resolutions of international legitimacy to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights, adding that any unilateral decisions to recognise the sovereignty of Israel over the Golan will be a major obstacle to the peace desired in the region.

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognising Israel's claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights, in an event at the White House attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"This was a long time in the making. Should have taken place many decades ago," Trump said as he signed the presidential proclamation. He also declared that the relationship between the two nations has "never been stronger." Israel occupied the strategic Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Israel annexed the territory in 1981, though this move is not recognised internationally.

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