New York: The State of Qatar has affirmed that recognition of the Nakba remains an essential foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace settlement to the Palestinian issue.
The statement was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during a special meeting of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People marking the 78th anniversary of the Nakba at UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency underscored the significance of adopting General Assembly Resolution 79/82, noting that Qatar was proud to be among the resolution’s sponsors. She stressed that acknowledging the Nakba is crucial to advancing a fair and enduring solution to the Palestinian cause.
She also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to ensuring that the names of Palestinian child martyrs are never forgotten, describing them as victims of an ongoing Nakba whose suffering must not be overlooked by the international community.
In her remarks, Sheikha Alya reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemning Israel’s illegal measures in the West Bank, including the reclassification of Palestinian land as so-called Israeli “state land,” the acceleration of settlement expansion, proposed legislation permitting the death penalty in the West Bank, and restrictions on freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem.
Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency emphasized Qatar’s call for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the immediate opening of border crossings to allow the sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
She highlighted Qatar’s continued commitment to mediation efforts from the outset through to the conclusion of the Sharm El Sheikh agreement in coordination with international partners, while also stressing the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
HE the Permanent Representative reaffirmed Qatar’s longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian cause and for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution.
She stressed the importance of guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, ending the occupation and settlement activities, halting Israel’s illegal practices in the occupied territories, and ensuring the right of return for Palestinian refugees in accordance with international law.
Her Excellency further affirmed Qatar’s continued political, diplomatic, and financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in carrying out its mandate to serve the Palestinian people in line with General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV).
