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Slovenian President Dr Natasa Pirc Musar urged nations to move beyond geopolitical divisions and uphold international law, describing her nation’s recognition of Palestine as an important step towards realising a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the Middle East.“When Slovenia recognised Palestine a year and a half ago, it was not an easy decision. We were one of the first three European countries, alongside Spain and Ireland, to take that step after many years. But it was the right thing to do, to be on the right side of history,” Dr Pirc Musar told the audience during her lecture, “The Realities of Multipolarism vs the Need for Multilateralism”, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Monday.The lecture formed part of her official visit to Qatar and reflected HBKU’s ongoing commitment to advancing international dialogue on diplomacy and governance. Elected in 2022 as Slovenia’s first woman head of state, Dr Pirc Musar discussed global power dynamics, the erosion of multilateral co-operation, and the moral responsibility of states to act in defence of humanity.Dr Pirc Musar noted that 150 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine, calling the move “a necessary first step” towards equality and dialogue. “If you advocate for a two-state solution,” she said, “don’t you think it is hypocrisy to recognise one state and not the other?”She stressed that Slovenia’s support for Palestine stems from both moral conviction and historical experience. Drawing parallels with the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica, she recalled how the tragedy in the Balkans continues to shape her nation’s empathy toward people suffering under conflict.“The sympathy we have for those who suffer is still alive because of Srebrenica. Watching the situation in Palestine brings back those painful memories,” the Slovenian president said.She also condemned political polarisation within Europe, questioning why human rights and humanitarian principles have become issues of left and right.“Are human rights left or right? They are not,” she said, recounting how she was criticised by right-wing parties after describing the situation in Gaza as genocide before the European Parliament.“I am neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I am for humanity. If we neglect international law, what’s left? Chaos,” Dr Pirc Musar said.Noting that peace requires both justice and equality, she said that recognising Palestinian statehood is not a solution in itself but “a first step” toward building a fair and lasting peace.She pointed out that Israel “deserves to have a state,” but condemned the violations of international law following October 7, questioning Israel’s claims of self-defence on foreign territory.“You have the right to self-defence on your own territory. On foreign territory, the answer is no,” she stressed. Dr Pirc Musar warned that the world today faces more than 65 armed conflicts, the highest number since World War II, and lamented the global community’s inability to stop wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. “That’s where we are today in the 21st century,” she said. Dr Pirc Musar underlined Slovenia’s diplomatic stance as a nation without colonial history and “without hidden agendas.” She called on world leaders to restore faith in multilateralism, pursue dialogue grounded in international law, and commit to peace not as a slogan, but as a shared obligation.“If we want permanent peace and justice, we must offer statehood for Palestine. That is the only way forward,” she said.

Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents a pioneering model of Moral and humanitarian commitment toward Palestine, defending the legitimate political, humanitarian, and developmental rights of its people.In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Samah Hamad said that the continuous support and genuine partnership with the State of Qatar are highly appreciated, as they embody the depth of Arab solidarity and a unified stance in defending Palestinian rights.She explained that Palestine's participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha aligns with its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, with a focus on social protection and ensuring human dignity.The participation aims to highlight the unprecedented social challenges faced by Palestinian families under occupation and to develop innovative solutions to provide social protection and justice for Palestinian households, she added.Regarding the hosting of the Summit in the State of Qatar, she noted its significant implications, as Qatar is recognized for investing in human and social development and for successfully combining economic growth with social justice, strengthening its role as a hub for Arab dialogue on development.The Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs underlined that the State of Qatar plays an influential role in supporting social protection programs, education, healthcare, and humanitarian response during crises. She noted that this support has contributed to enhancing the resilience of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through initiatives for orphans and low-income families, and through development programs implemented in cooperation with the Qatari government, Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development collaborates with Qatari institutions, the United Nations, and civil society to ensure the sustainability of social protection programs through data exchange and a national social registry, ensuring coordination and avoiding duplication in aid delivery, while emphasizing economic empowerment, employment programs, and social and educational services, she added.Regarding the challenges facing Palestine, Dr. Samah Hamad explained that the ministry continues to provide emergency humanitarian, food, and cash assistance to families affected by war and occupation, including orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, alongside implementing psychosocial support programs for children and affected families and activating a joint government operations room to coordinate relief efforts and ensure aid reaches all governorates, including isolated areas in Gaza.She also stressed the importance of building an integrated social solidarity network combining civil society, governments, and donor countries to strengthen social protection for the most vulnerable groups. She added that the issue of orphans remains among the most urgent, with continuous development of care, shelter, protection, and education centers for children in need, alongside unifying orphan data nationally to ensure integration and prevent duplication.On the summit's contribution to enhancing Arab integration, she said that it represents an opportunity to strengthen Arab cooperation in the social field, exchange experiences, and launch collective Arab initiatives to support countries affected by conflicts and crises, foremost among them Palestine, ensuring the protection of human dignity and promoting comprehensive development.Dr. Samah Hamad concluded the interview by expressing deep appreciation to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, for its ongoing support of the Palestinian people at humanitarian, developmental, and political levels, while affirming Palestine's aspiration to continue expanding partnership with Qatar to strengthen Palestinian people's resilience and preserve their human dignity.

Qatar took part in the High‑level Ministerial Meeting on Developments in Palestine, held Monday in Istanbul, Turkiye.HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi represented Qatar at the meeting. AFP adds: Gaza's future must be Palestinian-led and avoid any new system of tutelage, Turkiye and six of its top Muslim allies said after talks in Istanbul."Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security, the international community should support this in the best possible way -- diplomatically, institutionally and economically," Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the talks."Nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge," he told a news conference.The talks involved top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia."We've now reached an extremely critical stage: we do not want the genocide in Gaza to resume," Fidan added, saying all seven nations supported plans for the Palestinians to take control of Gaza's security and governance.He also expressed hope that reconciliation efforts between Hamas and the rival West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, "will bear fruit as soon as possible," saying inter-Palestinian unity would "strengthen Palestine's representation in the international community".Fidan said it was crucial that the emerging International Stabilisation Force that will monitor the Gaza ceasefire under Trump's plan, have a "mandate defined by a UN Security Council resolution and a framework for legitimacy".Washington is currently working with Arab and international partners to decide on the composition of the force, with Turkey hoping to play a role, despite fierce opposition from Israel."The countries we've spoken with say they will decide whether to send troops based on ... the ISF's mandate and authority," Fidan said."First, a general consensus needs to be reached on a draft, then it needs to be approved by the members of the Security Council."And it needs to be free from vetoes by any of the permanent (UNSC) members," he said of a blocking move frequently used by key Israel ally Washington.Israel has long viewed Turkiye's diplomatic overtures with suspicion over Ankara's close ties with Hamas.A Turkish disaster relief team, sent to help efforts to recover the remains of those trapped under the rubble -- including Israeli hostages seized by Hamas -- has been stuck at the border because of Israel's refusal to let them in, according to Ankara.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the annual “The Whole Story... Palestine” event, organized by the Cooperation Foundation, was held in Doha in support of orphans in Gaza.**media[375253]**In her address during the event, Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad stated that humanitarianism is not a luxury, but a moral obligation and a collective responsibility. She emphasized that “standing with our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a matter of principle, dictated by our consciences before our politics.” Her Excellency affirmed that, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the State of Qatar has embodied this humanitarian approach in both word and deed, making humanitarian and diplomatic work two sides of the same coin — with the shared goal of protecting humanity and preserving its dignity.**media[375252]**She added: “These principles have been reflected in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and to deliver humanitarian aid to our people in the Strip, in cooperation with our regional and international partners.”She noted that these efforts are continuing, but remain insufficient on their own given the scale of destruction and the growing humanitarian needs. “Therefore, we rely on every free person and every person of conscience to stand with our brothers and sisters in Gaza, offering them support and assistance,”. Her Excellency stated that, in fulfillment of this commitment and in implementation of the directives of Qatar’s wise leadership, she was pleased to announce the completion of the implementation mechanism for the Al Noor Initiative, in cooperation with the Cooperation Foundation, as part of the “Noor” program for orphans. This five-year program aims to restore to these children their right to safety, dignity, and hope. She pointed out that the State of Qatar had previously announced its commitment to sponsoring 3,000 orphans from Gaza, in addition to providing medical treatment for 1,500 wounded individuals in need of essential care. “Every child who has lost their family has a family in Qatar, and every person who has lost their support has support and assistance in Qatar,” she said. Her Excellency expressed her happiness at participating in this “humanitarian gathering, which brings us together for the sake of those who have lost security in these difficult times — for the sake of the children of Gaza who have endured more than 741 days of war and suffering, deprived of childhood, warmth, education, and their right to a decent life; and for the sake of more than 50,000 children who were orphaned in Gaza as a result of the aggression, forced to endure the bitterness of loss and deprivation — 60 percent of whom are under the age of 10, and more than 5 percent of whom suffer from various physical disabilities.”

The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation and the Palestine Wrestling Federation signed a cooperation agreement Wednesday at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. This agreement aims to build a stronger sports partnership between the two federations through joint training camps, organizing championships, creating development programs, and exchanging technical, coaching, and refereeing expertise.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and Riyad Hassan, Secretary-General of the Palestine Wrestling Federation and member of the ‘Sport for All’ Commission at United World Wrestling.The signing ceremony was attended by Abdullah Hamad al-Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatari Federation, Ghanem Saleh al-Kuwari, Board Member, and Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security.This agreement represents an important step in supporting the development of wrestlers from both Qatar and Palestine. It will help improve their technical and physical skills through training camps and prepare them to compete at regional, Arab, continental, and international championships.Sheikh Fahad praised the achievements of Palestinian wrestlers at both the Arab and international levels. He said that this agreement will open new opportunities for athletes from both countries, helping them develop their talents, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve greater success in the sport of wrestling.Hassan expressed his deep appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continuous support of Palestinian sports. He said that this agreement marks a new stage in the growth of wrestling in both countries and will help build a new generation of champions capable of reaching the top of international podiums.The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Sheikh Fahad and Hassan, reflecting the strong relationship and shared commitment between the two federations to promote wrestling excellence.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) organised a panel discussion on Tuesday that brought together scholars to explore the often overlooked yet vital role women have played in shaping cultural and social ties amid some of the Islamic world’s most significant upheavals.Held under the theme of Women in Al Andalus and Palestine: From Marginalisation to Influence, the panel featured Dr Fadwa al-Haziti, professor of higher education at Hassan II University in Casablanca and an expert in cross-cultural and post-colonial studies, and Dr Basma Dajani, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Jordan, renowned for her research on women patrons in Arab-Islamic civilisation.The panel explored how women cultivated values of steadfastness and sacrifice, emerging as pillars of resistance and guardians of collective memory despite enduring displacement, marginalisation, and loss."The seminar focuses on Arab and Muslim women throughout history with particular emphasis on the experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women,” said Dr al-Haziti.“Our nation has faced challenges throughout its history similar to those we face today, such as the post-Andalusian period,” she continued. “This discussion aims to highlight the reality of Palestinian women, affirm their right to preserve their memory and identity, and shed light on their suffering under occupation, including violence, siege, famine, and genocide.""Invoking Andalusia in the context of Palestine is not about making comparisons, but about reflection and broadening perspectives,” Dr al-Haziti stressed. “From this perspective, we explore the shared experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women, with a focus on their influence and marginalisation.”"The primary goal of this gathering is to reinforce awareness of the Palestinian cause, not only in terms of supporting the Palestinian people, but also recognizing that Palestine’s struggle is central to the Arab and Islamic world," she added."At a time when moral values are eroding, Gaza, with its women and children, serves as a moral compass, reminding us that belief in truth, commitment to homeland, and preservation of dignity are at the core of our humanity,” said Dr Dajani. “When dignity is stripped away, life itself loses its justification.”"Thus, revisiting pivotal moments in our Arab-Islamic history is not a retreat into the past, but a call for resilience, collective action, and cultural responsibility to confront the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and to ensure that humanity and dignity remain at the forefront of global consciousness," she added."At the QNL, we are committed to preserving and disseminating our cultural heritage,” said QNL engagement specialist Ikhlas Ahmed. “This panel sheds essential light on the profound contributions of women in bridging cultures and preserving identity across the Arab world. Their central role in the social fabric of our region underscores the vital impact women have on society."

China has welcomed and expressed support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press conference, commenting on a plan proposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, that China welcomes and supports all efforts aimed at easing tensions between Palestine and Israel. He added that China calls on all relevant parties to earnestly implement relevant UN resolutions, achieve a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip immediately, release all detainees, and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip as soon as possible. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that his country supports the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" and supports the implementation of the two-state solution. He added that China is ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to achieve an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement to the Palestinian cause.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed on Tuesday that 12 of its facilities in Gaza City were directly or indirectly hit between September 11 and 16. UNRWA added on its official website that among the targeted facilities were nine schools and two health centers, which sheltered more than 11,000 displaced persons.UNRWA noted that its activities in Gaza City have significantly decreased due to the deteriorating security situation.UNRWA's only health center in northern Wadi Gaza, located in Al-Shati refugee camp, was forced to suspend operations on September 13 due to intensified attacks and damage sustained during the raids.The agency stated that the massive destruction to the city's infrastructure, coupled with the severe disruption to humanitarian operations and access restrictions, severely impede the last remaining lifelines for civilians in Gaza City.On September 16, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel committed genocide, stating that Israel prevented trusted aid agencies (including UNRWA) from delivering essential and life-saving assistance, with the aim of "physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza through harsh living conditions."The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly half of the more than 246,800 displacements recorded since mid-August occurred in the past week alone, with increasing reports of displaced families sleeping on the streets or in makeshift tents, struggling to survive.UNRWA noted that Israeli forces have tightened movement and access restrictions in the West Bank, including the installation of new road gates to control the movement of Palestinians in and out of communities across the region.

The Palestinian flag was raised Monday at premises of what is now Palestine's embassy to the United Kingdom (UK) in London, during a ceremony marking the country's official recognition of Palestine as a state.A ceremony was held in front of the Palestinian embassy building, attended by British parliamentarians, government representatives, and Arab diplomats.The Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot said during the ceremony that international recognition is not just a diplomatic position, but rather a recognition that Palestine has always been a land with a people, stressing the need to remember that this recognition comes amidst unimaginable pain and suffering due to the genocide being waged against us in Gaza.The UK government announced Sunday, in a statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, its official recognition of the State of Palestine.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.The conference, held Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York.The conference was attended by a number of heads of states and governments, delegations, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations.The conference was attended also by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir.

In his address at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the historic New York Declaration, adopted overwhelmingly by the General Assembly, stressing that the war on the Palestinian people must end immediately and permanently. He added that the crimes of blockade, starvation, and destruction can never serve as a means of achieving security.President Abbas also praised the Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza, commending the international community's stance against forced displacement.He emphasized that the State of Palestine is the only entity qualified to take full responsibility for governance and security in Gaza through a temporary administrative committee connected to the Palestinian government in the West Bank, with Arab and international support.The president expressed appreciation for the countries that have already recognized the State of Palestine and called on those who have not yet done so to follow suit. He also called for support for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations.He also praised the significant role played by the conference's co-chairs, Saudi Arabia and France, as well as the United Kingdom, in rallying more global recognition.

The Muslim World League welcomed the decision of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to officially recognize the State of Palestine. In a statement, the League's General Secretariat described the move as a historic and principled step that affirms the legitimate historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people.It stressed that the recognition reflects adherence to the values of justice and comes at a critical time in support of international efforts to achieve the two-state solution.The Muslim World League affirmed that such positions represent the only viable path toward achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.