Qatar praises joint mediation efforts with Egypt in palestinian cause

CAIRO - 3 December 2024: Qatar expressed its deep appreciation for the joint mediation efforts carried out alongside Egypt and the United States to address the Palestinian cause. These efforts successfully de-escalated tensions, alleviated humanitarian suffering, and facilitated a ceasefire in November last year, which included the exchange of prisoners and detainees between Israel and Hamas.

This statement was delivered by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the UN General Assembly session on the Palestinian issue held in New York.

Qatar emphasized the importance of renewed international efforts to grant Palestine full UN membership. The representative reaffirmed Qatar’s belief in a comprehensive, just, and final political solution to the Palestinian issue, grounded in international law, UN resolutions, and the two-state solution based on 1967 borders.

Qatar called on the UN General Assembly to address the crisis facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which plays a vital role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Qatar highlighted the need to uphold the agency’s mandate under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 and reaffirmed Palestinian refugees' right of return as stipulated by UN Resolution 194 and Security Council Resolution 237.

Qatar’s representative expressed grave concern over the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by more than a year of ongoing Israeli aggression. These actions have also expanded to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with repeated Israeli attacks claiming over 44,000 lives and escalating violations in occupied Palestinian territories, such as settlement expansion and desecration of religious sites.

The representative referred to reports by the UN committee on Palestinian rights, which detail violations of international law and relevant UN resolutions. Despite these challenges, Qatar has maintained its transparent and credible mediation approach.

It warned all parties during the last negotiation round that it would suspend its efforts unless a serious agreement was reached. Qatar reiterated its readiness to resume mediation with its partners when conditions are conducive to ending the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Qatar reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in achieving their legitimate rights, particularly their right to self-determination and establishing an independent, sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On developments in Lebanon, Qatar welcomed the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States and France. It expressed hope for all parties to adhere to the agreement, halt military operations immediately, and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Qatar also voiced optimism that such efforts could lead to a similar agreement to end the ongoing war in Gaza and the Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank.

The statement underscored Qatar’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s unity, territorial integrity, and the welfare of its people.