AFP
Qatar has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution on Friday condemning Israeli settlements and called on the international community to end the continuing Israeli occupation in Palestine.
Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) expressed the hope that this resolution would constitute a serious step towards a just and comprehensive peace for the Palestinian people, in a way that contributes to promoting peace and security in the region.
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 Qatar has been and remains supportive of the Palestinian cause. He affirmed that the Palestinian cause is of concern to Qatar and tops Qatari policy priorities, “regardless of the challenges that surround the Arab region”.
“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,” said the Foreign Minister. He 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.
The Foreign Minister called on the international community to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and take steps for 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.
Meanwhile, the Arab League Secretary-General Dr Ahmed Aboul Ghait has also welcomed the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, demanding Israel stop all settlements in the Palestinian territories.
In a statement, 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 allow the coming period to witness an intensification of communications to push Israel to abide by its provisions, as well as the other related resolutions.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed 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 said that this resolution is historic and contributes to affirming the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
