HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has welcomed the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, and demanding an end to it in the occupied Palestinian territories.
HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the State of Qatar welcomed the UN Security Council vote, expressing the hope that this resolution would constitute a serious step towards the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace for the Palestinian people, in a way that contributes to promoting peace and security in the region.
HE the Foreign Minister added that the construction of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories is contrary to international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, noting that the State of Qatar has been and remains supportive of the Palestinian cause.
He affirmed that the Palestinian cause is of concern to the State of Qatar and tops Qatari policy priorities, stressing that “regardless of the challenges that surround our Arab region, but that will not stop us from supporting the Palestinian people and stand by them in their struggle for the defence of their land and its people and their sanctities.”
The Foreign Minister also reiterated Qatar’s support to all regional and international efforts to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue and the provision of international protection in order to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
He renewed demand for the international community to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, according to the terms of reference of the Arab Peace Initiative and UN relevant Security Council resolutions.
Arab League Secretary-General Dr Ahmed Aboul Ghait has also welcomed the UN Security Council resolution.
In a statement issues yesterday, Aboul Ghait renewed emphasis on the illegality of settlements and various other actions taken by the Israeli authorities to establish it as a fait accompli.
Settlement activities are a major obstacle to reaching a two-state solution, he added.
The secretary-general voiced hope for this resolution to generate a momentum that would allow the coming period to witness stepping up of communications to push Israel to abide by its provisions, as well as the other related resolutions.
He emphasised that the French-proposed conference could be a significant step in this direction, reiterating the Arab League’s firm position in supporting the Palestinian cause, as the central issue for the Arab nation.
The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) welcomed the adoption by the UN Security Council resolution that condemned Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, “including East Al-Quds”, and stressed the illegality and illegitimacy of colonial settlement under international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef al-Othaimeen asserted that this resolution is historic and contributes to affirming the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,calling at the same time for its implementation.
Al-Othaimeen commended the positions and efforts of the Islamic countries and all Security Council member states that voted for the resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused the UN resolution, describing it as “shameful”.
He stressed that Israel would not abide by Friday’s vote.
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