Doha, October 28 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has reaffirmed the central importance of the Palestinian cause, and that it is an issue that affects security and stability on a large scale.

It also reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause is an issue of inalienable rights and an international responsibility to ensure these rights and achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, before the UN Security Council, which held a virtual meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.

Her Excellency expressed Qatar's conviction that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace and settlement of the Palestinian issue in all its aspects must be achieved in accordance with international law, the Charter and the United Nations resolutions.

Her Excellency stressed that there is no alternative to a consensual peace settlement, through serious negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, based on the agreed references, resolutions of international legitimacy, the principle of land for peace and the Arab peace initiative, in addition to the realization of the two-state solution that entails the establishment of an independent and viable state of Palestine on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, which lives side by side with Israel in peace and security.

Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said that this requires an end to the occupation of Arab lands, settlements and attempts to annex lands illegally and unlawfully, guaranteeing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and a just solution to the refugee issue. It also requires stopping measures that affect the character, legal status and demographic composition of Jerusalem, the suffocating blockade on the Gaza Strip and all other practices by the occupying power that violate international law and United Nations resolutions. Her Excellency stressed that any arrangements that are not based on these references do not achieve the desired peace.

Based on the policy of the State of Qatar in alleviating humanitarian crises and economic difficulties and in the context of its keenness to create an appropriate environment for reaching peace, Qatar has continued, in coordination with international partners, to provide humanitarian and development support to the Palestinian brothers including in the Gaza Strip.

Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations referred to the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to provide financial assistance of $150 million, including support to combat the outbreak of the Coronavirus and its effects in Gaza Strip. This support comes to complement the humanitarian and developmental support for Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza Strip, in addition to raising the level of the State of Qatar's contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Her Excellency also emphasized that the Middle East region urgently needs reducing tensions and resolving crises through dialogue in accordance with the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes.

She reiterated the State of Qatar's commitment to dialogue and settlement of disputes by peaceful means in dealing with the Gulf crisis that was imposed on the country three years ago without justification, involving an unjust blockade and illegal unilateral measures, further complicating the situation in the region and affecting its stability and security.

Her Excellency underlined HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's call since the beginning of the crisis, to resolve it through dialogue based on good neighborliness, mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence and unity of States and non-interference in their internal affairs, affirming His Highness' commitment to mediation of brotherly and friendly countries, especially the endeavors of HH the late Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Her Excellency said that the State of Qatar has adhered to its principle based on respect for international law, and has resorted to international legal frameworks, foremost of which is the International Court of Justice to address the measures that violate the United Nations Charter, international law, international conventions and covenants and human rights.

She pointed out that the preventive measures taken to prevent the outbreak of the Coronavirus remind of the disruption caused by this global health crisis everywhere including the Middle East that is particularly vulnerable to multiplier effects in light of the existing conflicts and crises. Her Excellency stressed that this threat that affects everyone should be an additional motive for seeking an end to the crises and tensions in the region.

Regarding the Syrian crisis, Her Excellency said that the crisis in Syria has caused great suffering to the brotherly Syrian people, and every day that passes without putting an end to that crisis increases the suffering.

She considered that the Constitutional Committee, which has been committed to its success, represents one of the steps on the right track to reach, through a meaningful political process under the auspices of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, a solution that leads to a political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and the implementation of Resolution 2254 with all its elements.

Her Excellency reiterated that the attempt to impose militarily solution is leading to more atrocities and humanitarian disasters. That country has experienced enough war crimes and crimes against humanity, so that justice and accountability must be achieved.

Regarding the situation in Yemen, Her Excellency drew attention to the suffering and humanitarian difficulties that still burden the Yemeni people, stressing the need to secure the basic needs and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to all Yemenis.

She reaffirmed the importance of seeking to end this crisis through negotiation between the Yemenis in accordance with the outcomes of the National Dialogue, the Gulf initiative, and the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly, resolution 2216, and supporting the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, his initiatives and efforts to push the solution through dialogue.

With regard to the crisis in Libya, Her Excellency welcomed the ceasefire agreement and activating the political process in accordance with the Skhirat Agreement and all its outcomes, to achieve a comprehensive political settlement that will maintain Libyan unity, sovereignty and independence and put an end to the protracted crisis.

Her Excellency stated that the attempt to undermine the internationally recognized legitimate government resulted from the Libyan Political Agreement through a military campaign, proved that it only succeeded in complicating the situation and committing war crimes and serious violations of international humanitarian law, adding that what the Libyan people need now is respect for their will for a peaceful solution, stopping violence and achieving national consensus.

In conclusion, Her Excellency the Ambassador affirmed the State of Qatar's firm stances that seek to bring peace and stability to the region, reduce tensions and resolve crises with peaceful solutions for the benefit of the peoples and countries of the region. (QNA)