New York - Media & Communication Dept.- October 31

The State of Qatar reiterated that the best solution for a permanent, just, and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue is a two-state solution with an independent State of Palestine is established on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The State of Qatar called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab occupied territories, including the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories, the immediate and complete cessation of settlement activities, the return of refugees, and the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

This came in the statement read by the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani on conditions in the Middle-East, including Palestine.

She said that the best way forward was to negotiate between the two sides, adding that the international community must facilitate the peace process to resolve all issues.

She stressed that the issue of Jerusalem is one of the most important issues related to the final resolution, warning against any prejudice to the existing historical and legal status of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied East Al Quds, and attempts to Judaize them, dividing the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque temporally and spatially and undermining the freedom of Muslims to pray in it. She stressed that such attempts were void under international law and related UN resolutions.

Her Excellency expressed concern regarding continued attempts in that regard, the latest of which was the storming of hundreds of settlers this month to Al-Aqsa Mosque, pointing to Qatar's strong condemnation of these attacks, as a flagrant violation of international law, and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world. The State of Qatar called on the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities towards protecting the brotherly Palestinian people and their religious sanctities.

Her Excellency indicated that the State of Qatar welcomed the Australian government's announcement will no longer recognize of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, considering that this decision is consistent with international consensus and resolutions of international legitimacy, and supports international efforts to achieve peace and enhances the chances of a two-state solution.

She pointed out that Israel continues its illegal settlement policy and its repressive policies against the Palestinians, represented by the annexation of their lands, the seizure and demolition of their property, the use of excessive violence and arbitrary arrests, in light of the continuing cycles of violence and escalation that necessitate more efforts towards achieving sustainable peace.

Her Excellency touched on the painful humanitarian effects of the Gaza Strip in particular as a result of the military escalation and the continuous siege imposed on the Strip for more than 15 years, stressing that the State of Qatar continues its efforts to provide humanitarian support with the aim of improving the living conditions of the residents of Gaza, as part of its continuous support and solidarity with Palestinians.

Her Excellency also said that the State of Qatar welcomed the Palestinian parties' signing of a declaration in Algiers, saying it was a positive first step towards national reconciliation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Her Excellency also highlighted that the State of Qatar is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 next month for the first time in the Middle-East, saying it was a historical event that provides an opportunity to promote the values of peace and coexistence.