Qatar Stresses Importance of Guaranteeing an Independent Palestinian State Via a Two-State Solution

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani

The State of 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. The State of 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. The State of 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 Permanent Representative of the State 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.

Her Excellency 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 two million displaced persons due to the indiscriminate bombing of homes, hospitals, and schools, and the policy of collective punishment and starvation.

She reaffirmed Qatar's condemnation of all forms of targeting civilians and warned of the expansion of the circle of violence. She pointed out that the State of Qatar has swiftly undertaken intensive diplomatic efforts to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire that ensures the exchange of hostages and prisoners, protects civilians, and allows for the delivery of aid, paving the way for a serious peace process leading to a fair and comprehensive political settlement. She emphasized that these efforts have achieved tangible results in alleviating the suffering of Gaza's residents.

Her Excellency welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, which emphasized 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 last May, affirming that the State of Qatar remains committed to joint mediation efforts to unify visions and bridge the gap between the parties.

Her Excellency 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 in a brutal and shocking massacre. 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.

Her Excellency stressed that this escalation represents a disregard for international warnings and a clear challenge to the provisional orders of the International Court of Justice, 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.

Her Excellency noted that enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance and all essential needs on a wide scale and protecting humanitarian workers is an obligation under international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions. She emphasized the necessity of using all land crossings, a demand made by all humanitarian actors.

Her Excellency confirmed that the State of Qatar supports various humanitarian efforts, pointing out its participation in the urgent humanitarian response conference for Gaza, chaired by HM the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and HE the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. She added that the State of Qatar has contributed by sending thousands of tons of food, medical, and relief aid by air and sea and evacuating over 2,000 injured and sick individuals. She also said that the State of Qatar pledged an initial aid package of $50 million for the displaced and increased its contribution to UNRWA with an additional $25 million donation.

Her Excellency emphasized the State of 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 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.

Her Excellency welcomed the increasing number of countries recognizing 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.

(QNA)