Qatar stresses importance of guaranteeing an independent Palestinian state

Posted by author July 18, 2024 World

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Qatar has stressed the need for irreversible steps to achieve a two-state solution that ensures the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Qatar reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of Palestinian land and rejected any attempts to cause demographic or regional changes there, as affirmed by Resolution 2735.

Qatar also highlighted that temporary solutions are insufficient and that a sustainable solution is necessary in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

This came in a statement by HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani during the quarterly open debate of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, at the UN headquarters in New York.

She noted that this regular session comes at an unprecedented time, amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 130,000 civilian casualties and nearly 2mn displaced persons due to the indiscriminate bombing of homes, hospitals, and schools, and the policy of collective punishment and starvation.

HE Sheikha Alya reaffirmed Qatar’s condemnation of all forms of targeting civilians and warned of the expansion of the circle of violence.

She welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, which emphasised the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.

She noted that the three countries, in a joint statement, called on both Hamas and Israel to conclude an agreement reflecting the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden in May, and affirmed that Qatar remains committed to joint mediation efforts to unify visions and bridge the gap between the parties.

HE Sheikha Alya condemned in the strongest terms the horrific attack by the occupying forces on the tents of displaced persons in the Al Mawasi area, which resulted in the death and injury of hundreds of civilians.

She added that the attack coincided with the obstruction of life-saving humanitarian aid delivery, as Gaza’s population enters stages of famine according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

HE Sheikha Alya stressed that this escalation represents a disregard for international warnings and a clear challenge to the provisional orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), particularly the order issued on May 24, calling for an immediate halt to the attack on Rafah and the opening of its crossing for aid and ensuring access for investigation committees regarding genocide charges.

She added Qatar has contributed by sending thousands of tonnes of food, medical, and relief aid by air and sea and evacuating more than 2,000 injured and sick individuals.

She also said that Qatar pledged an initial aid package of $50mn for the displaced and increased its contribution to UNRWA with an additional $25mn donation.

HE Sheikha Alya emphasised Qatar’s rejection of the illegal policies and practices of the occupying power in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which include settlement expansion, land confiscation, violations of Palestinian civilians’ rights, and crimes committed against them by extremist settlers and occupation forces.

She also pointed to the critical situation of Palestinian prisoners and the need to maintain the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

HE Sheikha Alya welcomed the increasing number of countries recognising the State of Palestine, stating that the time has come for it to enjoy full membership in the United Nations, fulfilling the conditions of this membership as confirmed by the recent resolution of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly.

She noted that this step would support the achievement of the two-state solution.