Media Center

New York, September 27 

The State of Qatar participated today in a ministerial meeting on the situation in Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution as a path toward a just and comprehensive peace. The meeting was organized by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza with the European Union and Norway, held during the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Qatari delegation was led by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi. In his statement, His Excellency noted that Gaza has for years faced a major humanitarian catastrophe, with the Palestinian people suffering from violence and violations in both Gaza and the West Bank. His Excellency said that Qatar rejects violence against civilians from any party and condemn the targeting of camps, widespread destruction, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid. His Excellency noted that experience has shown that using force to impose realities on the ground only results in more suffering, expanding the cycle of violence. His Excellency added that signs of this are starting to be seen with Israels aggression on Lebanon, which cannot be separated from what is happening in Gaza. His Excellency stressed that this was all unacceptable under international law.
His Excellency highlighted the State of Qatar's diplomatic efforts over the past year, in cooperation with Egypt and the United States, to achieve a ceasefire, facilitate aid flows, and ensure the exchange of prisoners and detainees, which led to tangible results. He also reiterated the State of Qatars determination to continue its diplomatic endeavors despite the significant challenges, particularly the deep lack of trust between the parties, which remains a major obstacle to negotiations. Furthermore, he expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, which exacerbates the difficulty of the negotiations, warning that the conflict is spreading to regions repeatedly flagged as potential flashpoints.
His Excellency stressed that provocations, incitement, killings, and inflammatory rhetoric are detrimental to peace efforts and should be condemned, as stated in UN Security Council Resolution 2334. Despite this, His Excellency stressed that mediators were working tirelessly to achieve consensus.
HE the Minister of State emphasized that ending the conflict and occupation, and ensuring the Palestinians' right to self-determination, is essential for lasting peace. He further called for political will and genuine international pressure to achieve two main goals: first, ending the war in Gaza and the attacks in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, while preventing Lebanon from becoming another Gaza; and second, pursuing a true resolution to the Palestinian issue by ending the occupation and implementing the two-state solution. His Excellency added that this should also involve granting Palestine full UN membership, which it rightfully deserves, and providing international support for recovery, development, and follow-up mechanisms.
His Excellency concluded by saying that peace was in the interest of all, and that the State of Qatar stands ready to do everything to support sincere efforts to achieve it.