QNA
New York
Qatar has urged the Security Council to assume its responsibility and take an effective role in ensuring that the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, along with the exchange of detainees and prisoners, delivers the expected positive outcome.
This, according to Qatar, can be achieved through the adoption of a binding resolution that supports the agreement and ensures its full implementation.
This was stated in Qatar’s statement delivered by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani during the Security Council debate on the item ‘The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question’, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Sheikha Alya noted that this meeting comes just days after the announcement in Doha of an agreement to end the 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip, which caused immense human suffering, widespread destruction, and displaced most of the population, leaving 160,000 people dead, injured, or missing.
She emphasised that Qatar has made earnest mediation efforts from the onset, culminating in an agreement between the two parties on January 15, which took effect on Sunday.
"This agreement, which consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, stipulates the exchange of prisoners and hostages, the restoration of sustainable calm leading to a permanent ceasefire, the safe and effective entry and large-scale distribution of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the rehabilitation of hospitals, health centres, and bakeries, and the entry of civil defence supplies, fuel, and shelter materials for the displaced. The details of the second and third phase will be finalised during the implementation of the first phase,” she explained.
She conveyed Qatar’s gratitude to its mediation partners, Egypt and the United States, noting that the three countries issued a joint statement as guarantors of the agreement, confirming their commitment to working together to ensure the parties fulfil their obligations and that all three phases are fully implemented.
Sheikha Alya emphasised that Qatar has spared no effort over the past 15 months, stating: "Following the success of its efforts in November 2023 to halt the fighting and secure the release of 109 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the State continued its discussions with partners and parties to the conflict, overcoming numerous obstacles in pursuit of an agreement that would put an end to the war and restore hope to the region for a secure future.”
With the agreement now in effect, she added that Qatar looks forward to coordinated regional and international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and support the United Nations in facilitating its delivery to the Gaza Strip.
She reiterated that Qatar will spare no effort in supporting the affected families and alleviating the suffering of the people, noting that, under the directives of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has launched a land bridge to supply the Gaza Strip with fuel.
She underscored the pivotal role of UNRWA, warning that any attempt to ban the agency’s activities by the occupation authorities would result in serious humanitarian and political consequences.
Regarding Syria, the Qatari diplomat affirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for the Syrian people and their choices, highlighting the strength of fraternal relations with the Syria at this historic juncture, following a 13-year hiatus due to the previous regime’s brutal suppression of the Syrian people’s revolution.
She added that Qatar reaffirms the importance of a comprehensive Syrian political process and welcomes the measures adopted by the new Syrian administration to protect civilians, stabilise state institutions, provide public services, and facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees.
With regard to Lebanon, Sheikha Alya reiterated Qatar’s welcome to President Joseph Aoun’s election as President of Lebanon and the appointment of Dr Nawaf Salam to head the government.
She expressed hope that these developments would contribute to establishing security and stability in Lebanon, while fulfilling the aspirations of its people for progress, development and
prosperity.