The State of Qatar urged the Security Council to assume its responsibility and take an effective role in ensuring that the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, along with the exchange of detainees and prisoners, delivers the the expected positive outcome. This can be achieved through the adoption of a binding resolution that supports the agreement and ensures its full implementation.
This was stated in the State of Qatar's statement, delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the Security Council debate on the item "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question," at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency noted that this meeting comes just days after the announcement in Doha of an agreement to end the 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip, which caused immense human suffering, widespread destruction, and displaced most of the population, leaving 160,000 people dead, injured, or missing.
Her Excellency emphasized that the State of Qatar has made earnest mediation efforts from the onset, culminating in an agreement between the two parties on January 15, which took effect on Sunday.
This agreement, which consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, stipulates the exchange of prisoners and hostages, the restoration of sustainable calm leading to a permanent ceasefire, the safe and effective entry and large-scale distribution of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the rehabilitation of hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and the entry of civil defense supplies, fuel, and shelter materials for the displaced. The details of the second and third phase will be finalized during the implementation of the first phase, Her Excellency explained.
Her Excellency conveyed the State of Qatar's gratitude to its mediation partners, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, noting that the three countries issued a joint statement as guarantors of the agreement, confirming their commitment to working together to ensure the parties fulfill their obligations and that all three phases are fully implemented.
She emphasized that the State of Qatar has spared no effort over the past 15 months, stating: "Following the success of its efforts in November 2023 to halt the fighting and secure the release of 109 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the State continued its discussions with partners and parties to the conflict, overcoming numerous obstacles in pursuit of an agreement that would put an end to the war and restore hope to the region for a secure future." With the agreement now in effect, Her Excellency emphasized that the State of Qatar looks forward to coordinated regional and international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and support the United Nations in facilitating its delivery to the Gaza Strip. She reiterated that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in supporting the affected families and alleviating the suffering of the people. In this regard, she noted that, under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar has launched a land bridge to supply the Gaza Strip with fuel.
Her Excellency underscored the pivotal role of UNRWA, warning that any attempt to ban the agency's activities by the occupation authorities would result in serious humanitarian and political consequences.
Regarding Syria, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN affirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for the brotherly Syrian people and their choices, highlighting the strength of fraternal relations with the Syrian Arab Republic at this historic juncture, following a thirteen-year hiatus due to the previous regime’s brutal suppression of the Syrian people’s revolution.
Her Excellency added that the State of Qatar reaffirms the importance of a comprehensive Syrian political process and welcomes the measures adopted by the new Syrian administration to protect civilians, stabilize state institutions, provide public services, and facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees.
She emphasized that the State of Qatar remains committed to continuing its support for the Syrian people across various fields, noting that the current humanitarian situation calls for the international community’s assistance. She also highlighted the need to lift sanctions, citing their negative impact on the Syrian people and asserting that the reasons for imposing them have now disappeared.
Her Excellency further stressed Qatar’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as to the realization of its people’s aspirations for a dignified life and the establishment of a state founded on institutions and the rule of law. She expressed Qatar's condemnation of the Israeli incursion into the buffer zone, calling for its immediate reversal.
With regard to Lebanon, Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's welcome to HE President Joseph Aoun's election as President of the sisterly Lebanese Republic, and the appointment of HE Dr. Nawaf Salam to head the government. She expressed hope that these developments would contribute to establishing security and stability in Lebanon, while fulfilling the aspirations of its people for progress, development and prosperity.
Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for brotherly Lebanon, reiterating its firm commitment to the country's unity, sovereignty, security and stability.
She also welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and hoped that all parties would adhere to it, alongside the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Her Excellency further expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for a broader consensus, ensuring lasting peace and stability. Additionally, she stressed the importance of respecting the mandate of UNIFIL and ensuring the safety of its personnel.
HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations underscored that the only path to stability and prosperity in the region lies in a comprehensive and just political solution to the Palestinian issue, grounded on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. This solution must include ending the occupation, halting settlement activities, and upholding the vision of a two-state solution, as highlighted by Resolution 2334 and reaffirmed in the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in July 2024, which must be fully respected.
Her Excellency stressed the importance of rejecting any measures that undermine a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue, including attempts to annex Palestinian territories and violate religious sanctities. She further emphasized that the State of Qatar hopes the ceasefire agreement will mark the beginning of a new phase of serious efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue. In this context, she underscored the need to support Palestinian reconciliation in the coming phase, highlighting that the governance of the Gaza Strip after the war is a matter for the Palestinians to manage themselves.
In conclusion, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s unwavering commitment to the justice of the Palestinian cause, the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. She also reiterated Qatar’s support for Palestine’s recognition as a full member of the United Nations.