Qatar Voices Strong Support for Palestine During Nakba Anniversary

The State of Qatar has underscored that acknowledging the Nakba is crucial for attaining an equitable, inclusive, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian situation.

This declaration was made by Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a special session held by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. This event took place in New York City to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Nakba.

Sheikha Alya stressed the significance of adopting General Assembly Resolution 79/82, expressing Qatar's pride in co-sponsoring the resolution. She affirmed that recognizing the Nakba is a vital step towards achieving a just and lasting peace for Palestinians.

She emphasized the need to remember the names of Palestinian children who have lost their lives in the conflict, labeling them as casualties of a continuing Nakba whose plight must not be disregarded by global stakeholders.

Qatar condemned Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, particularly in the West Bank, noting concerns about the reclassification of Palestinian land to Israeli “state land,” settlement expansions, discussions on the introduction of the death penalty in the West Bank, and restrictions affecting the worship of Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem.

Addressing the Gaza situation, the Qatari envoy demanded the strict enforcement of the ceasefire agreement and the reopening of border crossings to facilitate ongoing humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

She reiterated Qatar’s dedication to mediating for peace while emphasizing the importance of enacting UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

Qatar once again affirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle in alignment with international law and the two-state resolution. The nation called for the formation of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The statement further highlighted the urgent necessity to conclude the Israeli occupation, cease settlement activities, halt illegal actions in the occupied regions, and protect the right of return for Palestinian refugees in accordance with international law.

Qatar also reiterated its ongoing political, diplomatic, and financial backing for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), supporting its humanitarian initiatives for Palestinian refugees.