Qatar Participates in Ministerial Meeting on AHLC for Coordinating International Assistance to Palestinians

The State of Qatar participated today in the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for coordinating international assistance to the Palestinians, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi. In his remarks at the meeting, His Excellency emphasized the active role the AHLC has played over the years in stimulating and coordinating efforts to address the economic and humanitarian aspects of the Palestinian cause. His Excellency pointed out that this year seems different due to the unprecedented violence taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing that stopping the bloodshed is the most urgent and pressing priority. This gives additional importance to the work of the committee in addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the post-war recovery, and reconstructi on. The Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the ongoing violence and violations in the occupied West Bank threaten even more dangerous escalation and undermine international efforts to provide the necessary support for lasting peace, including by preventing the diversion of Palestinian tax revenues, which risks weakening the already financially struggling Palestinian Authority. His Excellency said that civilians in Gaza are facing one of the worst humanitarian and health crises in the world, noting that, in addition to widespread famine, there was destruction of infrastructure, healthcare sector, homes, a collapse of security, and no safe place in the strip. His Excellency added that there was no justification for the collective punishment or allowing children to go hungry, along with the loss of an entire school year. His Excellency emphasized that facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and basic needs on a large scale and protecting humanitarian workers is an obligation under international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions, especially given the extremely deteriorating humanitarian situation. He explained that there is no alternative to keeping all crossings open, which is what humanitarian actors are demanding, affirming that the flow of humanitarian aid is a collective responsibility. The Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Qatar's various humanitarian efforts, mentioning Qatar's participation in the emergency humanitarian response conference held last June. He also noted that Qatar had airlifted and shipped thousands of tons of food, medical supplies, relief materials, shelter items, ambulances, and two field hospitals, as well as evacuated thousands of wounded and sick civilians along with their companions. Additionally, Qatar pledged $50 million as an initial aid package to assist the displaced. He added that the State of Qatar had increased its support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) with an additional contribution of $100 million announced today. This support reflects Qatars recognition of the crucial and indispensable role of UNRWA in providing essential life services to Palestinians. His Excellency also said that the State of Qatar was among the main signatories of the joint commitments and political support declaration for UNRWA's role as the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, signed last July. He stressed the State of Qatar's rejection of the systematic campaign against UNRWA, especially after the independent review group's report disproved the allegations against it and after UNRWA's sincere cooperation in implementing the recommendation. His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's welcome for the resumption of support from many donors, stressing the need for full resumption and even increased funding. The Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted Qatar's intensive diplomatic efforts with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, which resulted in an agreement last November that secured the release of hundreds of prisoners and detainees from both sides. His Excellency acknowledged that this was hard work, but maintained that the sides were determined to persist despite the difficulties and challenges. His Excellency said that he international community demands an immediate agreement, and a permanent ceasefire would represent a first step towards reviving the peace process and moving it seriously towards achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, noting that this will depend on a two-state solution." The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs concluded his remarks by affirming the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting the efforts of the AHLC and comprehensive international efforts aimed at achieving stability and security in the region. Source: Qatar News Agency