UN General Assembly Meetings Opportunity To Affirm International Stance In Support Of Palestinian Cause: Advisor To PM And Official MOFA Spokesperson

Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari considered the meetings of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for this month, an appropriate opportunity to reaffirm the international stance on the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution, particularly in light of the efforts led by the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the friendly French Republic in this regard.

During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar has consistently committed to supporting multilateral action and strengthening the role of the United Nations in various international issues, stressing the importance of ensuring Palestinian presence in all international forums.

He pointed out that there has been no response from the Israeli side to the ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip. He added that what the Strip has witnessed in recent days has seen further escalation, particularly the dangerous step of occupying the densely populated Gaza City amid a very deteriorating humanitarian situation, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties, including hostages whom the Israeli government claims to be seeking their release.

He noted that any alternative proposal remains contingent on a genuine will to reach an agreement, indicating that there has been intensive contact with the US and regional and international parties, but that these have not yet yielded anything new.

The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the priority is to end the humanitarian crisis, warning against linking the humanitarian situation in Gaza to the issue of prisoner and hostage exchanges, describing this as unacceptable blackmail and a violation of international law.

Dr. Al Ansari also indicated that Qatar, as a mediator, possesses no leverage other than pushing for an agreement and relying on international pressure and position.

He noted that Israel's move to occupy Gaza City and its threats to annex the West Bank have been met with increasing international condemnation, given that a Palestinian state is a reality established by UN resolutions, and that the international community, except Israel, unanimously recognizes its legitimacy.

He highlighted that the international stance has become clearer in its support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the two-state solution, considering that recent Israeli measures have weakened its position internationally, a point recently acknowledged by the US President.

Dr. Al Ansari also revealed the existence of contacts to develop new proposals that could contribute to reaching an agreement, stressing Qatar's openness to all realistic solutions, noting that the only official offer on the table is the plan previously announced and approved by Hamas.

In another context, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts on a number of international issues, including the humanitarian role related to reuniting children affected by the war in Ukraine and Russia with their families. He affirmed Qatar's support for all efforts aimed at ending the war, including the upcoming summit between Russia and Ukraine.

Regarding the Arab Foreign Ministers' meeting scheduled for Cairo on Thursday, Dr. Al Ansari said that regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza, will be a strong presence, emphasizing the importance of these meetings in coordinating Arab positions.

At the outset of the briefing, Dr. Al Ansari addressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' key activities during the week, including the work of the sixth session of the Joint Higher Committee between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, where Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met with Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

He also held a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates HE Dr. Badr Abdelatty. His Excellency also met with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine HE Andriy Yermak and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine HE Rustem Umerov.

In a related context, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi led the State of Qatar's delegation to the 165th session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the second Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC countries and Japan. He met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan HE Iwaya Takeshi, and also with Deputy Minister and Government Representative for Korean Nationals Overseas Protection and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea HE Jung Ki-hong.

He noted that Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria HE Peter Sands. She also held phone calls with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan HE Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and with Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan and Chairman of the Coordination Committee for Assistance to Earthquake Victims HE Mohammad Younus Akhundzada.

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari also noted that Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received a phone call from Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan HE Omar Mohamed Ahmed Siddiq.

He highlighted that HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will participate today in the Bled Strategic Forum in the Republic of Slovenia, where he will deliver a speech at a high-level session and meet with senior officials there.

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