New York: The State of Qatar has emphasized the need for international solidarity to address the Israeli occupation’s disregard for international laws, agreements, and resolutions. Qatar calls for immediate efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and urges compliance with initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region.

According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was delivered by Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, during a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The session focused on the crisis facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following requests from the Arab Group and the core group of the “Shared Commitments” supporting UNRWA.

Her Excellency highlighted that recent Israeli legislations targeting UNRWA contradict General Assembly Resolution 302, which forms the basis of UNRWA’s mandate. She urged the UNGA to uphold its respo
nsibilities under this resolution. Qatar, being the first Arab country to sign a multi-year agreement with UNRWA, remains a major financial supporter, contributing over $49 million in 2024 alone.

Reaffirming Qatar’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, Her Excellency reiterated the country’s commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. She also expressed gratitude to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and his team for their humanitarian work under challenging conditions.

Qatar expressed condolences for the loss of UNRWA employees, with at least 237 casualties since the start of the Israeli aggression. The aggression has claimed over 43,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, systematically targeting relief workers and killing 322 of them. Additionally, 137 journalists have been killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Her Excellency condemned the Israeli
Knesset’s approval of laws banning UNRWA’s activities in occupied Palestinian territories, warning of severe humanitarian and political repercussions. Such actions threaten to deprive millions of essential services and impact Palestinian refugees’ rights, as stipulated by relevant UN resolutions.