(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar has warned against the danger of allowing the current situation in the Palestinian territories, and the lack of a sustainable settlement of the Palestinian cause, to continue. Qatar called on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities in enforcing international law, implementing its resolutions, putting an end to the illegal occupation and settlement, and supporting the achievement of peace.
This came in a statement made by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, at UN Security Council meeting on the "situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”.
The statement drew attention to the repeated provocations and attacks carried out by the authorities of the occupying power in the city of Jerusalem and settlers on the Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially the Holy Mosque, which is considered one of the most important holy places for Muslims.
The statement stressed that any attempt to change the legal, historical and cultural status of the city of Jerusalem constitutes a violation of international law, relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and that provocative practices and other illegal measures, such as confiscating and demolishing Palestinian property, as in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods, reflect a policy to Judaise Jerusalem, expand settlements, and disregard international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.
These measures led to the recent escalation that caused hundreds of civilian casualties, including dozens of children, as a result of the aerial bombardment of residential neighbourhoods in the Gaza Strip, the statement said.
Qatar has sought to restore security and stability, and has taken diplomatic moves in co-ordination with the United Nations and friendly countries to facilitate reaching a ceasefire agreement, the statement said, stressing the importance of a ceasefire at this stage and avoiding a re-escalation.
Qatar has urged the need to address the urgent needs of the 2mn Palestinians whose suffering has worsened this year, and who remain under siege in the Gaza Strip, the statement added.
The statement said that Qatar continues its pioneering efforts to provide humanitarian and development aid to meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, referring in this context to the $500mn grant directed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip.
The statement noted that this complements the grants by Qatar to pay the salaries of Palestinian employees, provide financial assistance to needy families, operate power stations, and develop infrastructure.
The statement renewed Qatar's call to the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities in enforcing international law, implementing its decisions, putting an end to the illegal occupation and settlement, supporting the achievement of peace, which must be achieved through negotiations between the two parties, and on the basis of international law, UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principle of the two-state solution.
Under the principle of the two-state solution, the State of Palestine will be established on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, ending the occupation of all Arab lands, and finding a just solution to the refugee issue.
The statement also reiterated Qatar’s continued commitment to support and participate in all sincere international efforts aimed at achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
Regarding the Syrian crisis, HE Sheikha Alya’s statement pointed out that this year witnessed the 10th anniversary of the launch of the peaceful demonstrations of the Syrian people, adding that the Syrian crisis is still awaiting a solution, which will not be achieved by the military option, but by a purposeful process that leads to a political transition in accordance with the Geneva-1 Convention and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The statement called for completing the tasks of the Constitutional Committee, confidence-building measures (CBMs) such as settling the file of detainees and the forcibly-disappeared people, and creating conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons.
Qatar reiterated the importance of ensuring accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of chemical weapons, as accountability is a factor in sustaining peace.
The statement said that millions in Syria depend on international aid and the mechanism for delivering humanitarian assistance across borders, praising the UN’s efforts in this regard.
Qatar is at the forefront of donors to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Syrian people, the statement added.
With regard to the situation in Yemen, Qatar reiterated that ending the crisis there requires negotiation between the Yemeni parties on the basis of the outcomes of the national dialogue, the Gulf initiative and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216, stressing that this solution will contribute to overcoming the humanitarian difficulties in Yemen and preserving its unity, sovereignty and independence.
On the situation in Libya, Qatar expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by Libyans and the support of the international community that led to the encouraging developments that took place over the past year, including the ceasefire agreement, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), and the formation of the Interim Government of National Unity.
The statement indicated that Qatar stressed the importance of ensuring commitment to maintaining this progress on the political, economic and security tracks and ensuring that the elections are held on the specified date, in order to consolidate and sustain stability in the interest of the Libyan people.
In conclusion, the statement underlined that Qatar firmly believes in the principle of settling disputes by peaceful means, continuing mediation and other efforts that contribute to consolidating the foundations of sustainable peace at the regional and international levels, and working with international partners to reduce tensions, end crises, and achieve stability, security and the common interest of all.
MENAFN29072021000067011011ID1102538785
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.