DOHA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has affirmed that the stances of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, leaders and peoples, on the Palestinian cause are firm and stemming from the belief in the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on all their national soil.
Addressing the opening session of the 11th Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Forum, organized by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies on Saturday, he explained that the relationship between the GCC countries and the Palestinian cause is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of support and solidarity that began with the establishment of these countries and still continues.
The Stances of the Gulf States, leadership and peoples, have always remained firm and steadfast, stemming from the belief in the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on their entire national soil, he said.
Since the beginning of this relationship, the Gulf States have opened their doors giving Palestinians a safe haven and opportunities to work and contribute to their development, he said adding that the deep human ties between the Palestinian people and the Gulf peoples have contributed to supporting various areas of development, and they have left indelible marks in building institutions and infrastructure. Such ties have also formed humanitarian and cultural bridges that have strengthened the ties between the Gulf peoples and the Palestinian people and made them brothers who share with us the journey of growth and prosperity.
Dr Al Khulaifi pointed out that the Palestinian cause will always remain the focus of attention of Arab and Islamic countries, expressing his certainty that the Arab nation carries this cause in its conscience and is doing everything in its power to enhance the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people. GCC countries will spare no effort in harnessing all capabilities to support the Palestinian people and their steadfastness in the face of the Israeli occupation that threatens their existence and rights.
He also noted that the Arab and Islamic peoples are fully aware that the stability and security of the region are closely linked to a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian cause, so their support for this just cause is not just a religious or national duty, but rather a humanitarian and moral commitment.
He touched on the developments in the Palestinian issue and the displacement, genocide and settlement projects, saying that the Israeli settlement project in Palestine has been going against the course of history since its birth, and the campaigns of genocide and displacement of the Palestinian people for more than half a century have only strengthened their determination to hold to their land. The steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the growing human awareness have consolidated the rights of this oppressed people on their land, he stressed.
Against the backdrop of the developments in the conflict, there is only one solution left for everyone, which is to enable the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, he continued.
He also spoke about the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, saying that it has gone too far in its brutality and recklessness, taking the form of collective punishment and a war of extermination that has resulted in a terrifying toll of innocent victims, severe destruction, and an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip and then the West Bank.
This aggression has exceeded all warnings issued by international platforms that the worsening of the crisis could lead to dangerous violence, he said noting that these warnings reflected deep concern about the repercussions of this ongoing conflict. He also stressed the need to mobilize international and regional efforts to push for peace and stability in the region and guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people to live in dignity and security.
He stressed that the continuation of this aggression requires the international community to take a firm stance to stop these gross violations of human rights, adding that the international community must assume its moral and legal responsibilities in protecting the Palestinian people.
He the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all international parties to work seriously to achieve this well-known goal and avoid further escalation and violence that only brings more suffering and destruction.
He referred to what the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip have been witnessing in the past months of a genocidal war, the number of victims of which has reached more than 43 thousand martyrs and more than 100 thousand wounded, in addition to thousands missing and under the rubble, in addition to the forced displacement of more than two million Palestinians from their homes many times in search of safety.
After more than a year since the beginning of the war, the number of dead, wounded and missing people is constantly increasing, he said expressing concern that this scene will become familiar. "However, no matter how much the international community tries to justify these crimes without real condemnation, this will not blind us from seeing the painful reality experienced by the brotherly Palestinian people," he continued.
He also stressed that the continuation of this tragic situation in Gaza imposes on everyone a moral and humanitarian responsibility to raise their voices against these violations and work tirelessly to remind the world that the Palestinian people deserve to live in dignity and security, away from violence and oppression.
Dr Al Khulaifi spoke about the role of the State of Qatar in resolving conflicts and supporting stability and peace efforts in the region and the world.
"The State of Qatar has been a living model of an effective role in mediation between the conflicting parties, based on established principles of justice, fairness and respect for international law," he said.
He continued, "These efforts aim to build trust between the conflicting parties, encourage them to engage in constructive dialogue and facilitate the process of achieving peace. They also include exerting the necessary care to ensure reaching a specific result and creating the appropriate conditions for achieving a peaceful and sustainable solution."
Hereiterated the State of Qatar's firm position in supporting the right of the Palestinian people to exist, remain on their land and determine their fate. He stressed that Qatar will not hesitate to make every effort to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
In this context, he referred to the efforts made by the State of Qatar in cooperation with its partners in November of last year, which resulted in achieving a temporary humanitarian pause in Gaza, leading to the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, and 109 detainees in Gaza, in addition to increasing the flow of relief shipments to the Strip.
In the same context, he pointed out the State of Qatar's contribution to evacuating the wounded and sick and its support for humanitarian initiatives to deliver aid through all available means, stressing that it will continue to make efforts until a permanent ceasefire is reached and a just solution is achieved in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, ensuring that the Palestinian people obtain all their legitimate rights, most notably their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital and full membership in the United Nations.
"To achieve this, the occupation and illegal settlement on the occupied Arab territories must be ended and illegal practices that undermine the two-state solution must be stopped," he said.
He went on saying that Qatar's mediation efforts stem from Islamic and Arab values and the principles of justice and fairness, which are the foundation on which the State of Qatar's foreign policy has been based for many years. These efforts seek to achieve a just peace that protects the rights of the weak and ensures a better future for future generations, he added.
Dr Al Khulaifi stressed that this critical moment requires all governments and peoples to reconsider the tools and mechanisms for supporting the Palestinian cause.
"From this standpoint come the efforts made by the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit to create a clear path for the Palestinian cause," he said.
He pointed out that this committee has made several visits to relevant capitals and the United Nations to work to stop this Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and to move at the international level to support efforts to gain recognition of Palestine.
He also explained that these efforts include enhancing cooperation with international and regional organizations and intensifying diplomatic campaigns to raise global awareness about the suffering of the Palestinian people.
He pointed out that the war of extermination launched by Israel on Gaza after October 7 of last year revealed the intentions and actions of the occupation, adding that the world is now facing a major legal and moral challenge between standing with the values of justice, fairness and international law, and watching the demolition of what humanity has built under the pretext of political realism.
He said: "What increased the embarrassment of standing as spectators to the war of extermination on Gaza is the increasing pressure from peoples and human rights organizations, and after a difficult period that extended for many months, the world chose to gradually move away from double standards.
He continued: "Countries and regional and international organizations have moved to defend human values, and international treaties and covenants have been activated to stop the crime of genocide against Gaza and hold its perpetrators accountable under international judicial platforms. A unique international consensus has been reached based on the fact that there is no political solution that will restore peace and stability to the Middle East other than ending the occupation and allowing the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination."
He also pointed out that the war of genocide on Gaza has clearly demonstrated that the power and will of peoples is the decisive factor in modern conflicts, as peoples, with their awareness and determination to achieve justice, are capable of changing the course of history and reshaping international relations.
"This war has proven that popular solidarity can be stronger than any army and that the collective voice of peoples can impose a new will on the international scene," he added.
He pointed out that this growing awareness among peoples would lead to a radical change in the rules of international relations, where the power of right becomes the basic criterion instead of the right of power, and countries realize that respect for human rights and social justice are the only way to achieve peace and stability.
He stressed that supporting the Palestinian cause should not be a temporary response to moments of crisis, but rather a sustainable commitment based on a clear vision and a long-term strategy. This integrated approach reflects a genuine commitment to empowering the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.
To achieve this, efforts must be combined at various levels, starting with political and diplomatic support in international forums, and extending to providing economic and development support to enhance the Palestinian infrastructure, he stressed.
Dr Al Khulaifi stressed that the State of Qatar will remain at the forefront of supporters of efforts aimed at achieving peace and justice, and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the outbreak of conflicts and resolve them through peaceful means to ensure that all peoples enjoy a dignified and secure life.
"Qatar's commitment to peace and justice is a permanent commitment that reflects our established values and principles to promote stability and prosperity for all," he stressed.
