Qatar Calls on Security Council to Support Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
New York, The Gulf Observer: Qatar has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a binding resolution supporting the recently established ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, Qatar emphasized, should ensure the effective implementation of the agreement and the successful exchange of detainees and prisoners between the conflicting parties.
This appeal was made by H.E. Sheikha Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council session on the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, at the UN headquarters in New York.
In her address, H.E. noted that the meeting coincided with the announcement in Doha of a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza. This conflict, she stated, had caused immense human suffering, widespread destruction, displacement, and resulted in over 160,000 casualties, including the dead, injured, and missing.
H.E. Sheikha Alya highlighted Qatar’s pivotal role in mediating the agreement, which was finalized on January 15 and implemented starting the previous Sunday. The three-phase agreement, each phase spanning 42 days, includes prisoner and hostage exchanges, humanitarian aid distribution, rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, and preparations for a permanent ceasefire.
Qatar also expressed gratitude to its mediation partners, Egypt and the United States, acknowledging their joint commitment to ensuring the agreement’s full implementation. “Together, we aim to restore hope for a secure future in the region,” H.E. stated.
Support for Humanitarian and Reconstruction Efforts
H.E. emphasized Qatar’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents, announcing a land bridge to supply fuel and essential items under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. She further called on the international community to provide robust support to UNRWA, cautioning against restrictions on the agency’s activities by occupation authorities.
Commitment to Regional Stability
Turning to Syria, Qatar reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people’s aspirations and welcomed positive steps taken by the new Syrian administration. H.E. called for an inclusive political process, international humanitarian aid, and the lifting of sanctions to address Syria’s urgent needs.
Regarding Lebanon, H.E. congratulated H.E. Joseph Aoun on his election as President and welcomed Dr. Nawaf Salam’s appointment as Prime Minister, expressing hope for a stable and prosperous future for Lebanon.
Palestinian Issue Central to Regional Peace
H.E. Sheikha Alya stressed that a comprehensive, just political resolution to the Palestinian issue remains the cornerstone of stability in the region. She reiterated Qatar’s support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. Qatar urged respect for international law, including Security Council Resolution 2334, and expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement would pave the way for serious efforts toward resolving the Palestinian issue.
In conclusion, Qatar reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of its people, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian reconciliation and self-governance in Gaza.
