Qatar has reiterated its commitment to the successful implementation of the agreement to end the war in Gaza, emphasising that this is a collective responsibility that must be upheld by all involved parties. The aim is to ensure a lasting cessation of hostilities and achieve peace and stability in the region, fully adhering to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The statement was made by HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during the Quarterly Open Debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, at the UN headquarters in New York.
The meeting follows the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit on October 13, where HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in the signing of the agreement to end the Gaza war. The signing ceremony was attended by several key leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Qatar’s mediation efforts, carried out in partnership with Egypt and the United States, played a pivotal role in overcoming significant obstacles to secure a deal that ended the bloodshed and alleviated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over the past two years, Qatar successfully brokered humanitarian truces that allowed essential aid to reach Palestinian civilians and facilitated the release of detainees and prisoners. Qatar’s mediation efforts have demonstrated the country’s ongoing commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy and humanitarian intervention.
The Qatar Gaza Reconstruction Committee has also made significant strides in rebuilding the region. Efforts have included clearing rubble, reopening main roads, and facilitating the movement of Palestinians within the Strip. Furthermore, Qatar has established a land bridge through Jordanian and Egyptian territories to deliver vital humanitarian aid, including shelter tents, food, and medical supplies, benefiting over 436,000 people.
Qatar has expressed its strong support for the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the New York Declaration, which calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution. Qatar praised the leadership of Saudi Arabia and France in this regard and welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by various countries, reaffirming its right to full UN membership.
Qatar also called for the international community to take a stronger stand against actions that undermine the peace process, including settlement expansion in the West Bank and the violent actions of settlers. Sheikha Alya stressed that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and must be included in a future unified Palestinian state.
In addition, Qatar condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two laws that aim to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, describing them as a direct challenge to international law and legitimate UN resolutions. Qatar further denounced plans to build settlements that would separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank, which it considers a blatant violation of international law, particularly UN Resolution 2334.
Qatar also reaffirmed its support for Syria, condemning Israeli attacks on Syrian soil as serious breaches of international law. Furthermore, Qatar reiterated its unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territories and urging strict adherence to the ceasefire agreements.
Concluding her statement, Sheikha Alya reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and mediation. She highlighted Qatar’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and security, both regionally and globally.
For further details on Qatar’s diplomatic role and its initiatives for peace, see Qatar and Turkiye: Strategic partnership, historical relations and Qatar and Turkiye commend success of the Supreme Strategic Committee.
