Israeli settlements a hindrance to peace in occupied territories: Qatar

Doha: Illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories continue to be a major hurdle to regional peace efforts and a two-state solution, said Qatar representative of the United Nations (UN) in New York, Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

Israel's decision to legalize settlements in the occupied areas of the Syrian Arab- Golan Heights was a violation of international regulations, and the illegal actions focused on Golan Heights are also an infringement of current international laws, she said.

The only way for an international resolution is a serious peace discussion between the Palestinian and Israeli sides specifically based on UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The 1967 border should be established to lead to an independent sovereign State based in

East Jerusalem. Sheikha Alya Ahmed Al Thani also demanded an end to the Israeli occupation of the Arab lands, including the Syrian Julan Hills.

A comprehensive compromise on the Palestinian issue must be reached instantly, and various actions such as restoration of refugees, protection of legal rights of the Palestinians, the fortification of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, have to be taken care of. She also said that Israel was committing serious violations of law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Qatar also demanded that Israel comply with the demands put forward by the General Assembly in various resolutions and lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has caused suffering of Gaza residents. The ambassador reiterated that Qatar would never back down on its stand on the Palestinian issue and would continue to extend all support and assistance to the Palestinian people at the instance of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Sheikha Alya pointed out that Qatar had spent $100 billion on the people of Palestine so far through the Qatar Development Fund and the Gaza Strip Reconstruction Committee. She also said that Qatar had provided $150 million as aid during COVID-19.