NEW YORK, USA: The State of Qatar has emphasized the necessity of irreversible steps toward a two-state solution, which would establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

At the UN Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East, HE Permanent Representative of Qatar, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, made a statement affirming that the Gaza Strip is an essential part of Palestinian territory and rejecting attempts to bring about any regional or demographic changes there, as confirmed by Resolution 2735. Qatar highlighted that temporary solutions are insufficient and stressed the need for a sustainable solution in line with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Her Excellency addressed the session amid an unprecedented time of conflict, noting the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, which has led to nearly 130,000 civilian casualties and displaced nearly two million people due to indiscriminate bombings of homes, hospitals, and schools, as well as the policy of collective punishment and starvation. She reaffirmed Qatar’s condemnation of all forms of targeting civilians and warned of the expansion of violence.

Qatar has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire, ensuring the exchange of hostages and prisoners, protecting civilians, and facilitating aid delivery. These efforts aim to pave the way for a serious peace process leading to a fair and comprehensive political settlement. Sheikha Alya noted that these efforts have already achieved tangible results in alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents.

She welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, emphasizing the significance of ongoing diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. In a joint statement, the three countries called on both Hamas and Israel to conclude an agreement reflecting the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden last May. Qatar is still dedicated to working with other countries to mediate disputes and bring the parties’ ideas closer together.

Her Excellency condemned the horrific attack by 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 what she described as a brutal and shocking massacre. She highlighted that the attack coincided with the obstruction of life-saving humanitarian aid delivery, as Gaza’s population faces stages of famine according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Sheikha Alya stressed that this escalation represents a disregard for international warnings and challenges the provisional orders of the International Court of Justice, particularly the May 24 order calling for an immediate halt to the attack on Rafah and the opening of its crossing for aid. She emphasized that enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance on a wide scale and protecting humanitarian workers is an obligation under international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions.

Qatar supports various humanitarian efforts and participated in the urgent humanitarian response conference for Gaza, chaired by the King of Jordan, the President of Egypt, and the UN Secretary-General. Qatar has contributed thousands of tons of food, medical, and relief aid and evacuated over 2,000 injured and sick individuals. Additionally, 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 condemned the illegal policies and practices of the occupying power in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, land confiscation, and violations of Palestinian civilians’ rights. She emphasized 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.

Sheikha Alya welcomed the increasing number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine and stated that it is time for Palestine to enjoy full membership in the United Nations, fulfilling the conditions confirmed by the recent resolution of the General Assembly’s tenth emergency special session. She noted that this step would support the achievement of the two-state solution.