Cairo: HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the State of Qatar's firm and supportive position towards the Palestinian cause, stressing the rejection of all attempts aimed at liquidating it, whether through displacement projects, settlement expansion, or imposing solutions that detract from the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was part of His Excellency's speech during the 7th conference of the Arab Parliament and the Presidents of Arab Councils and Parliaments held in Cairo. The event, jointly organized by the Arab Parliament and the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, aimed to explore ways to provide parliamentary support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and enhance joint Arab parliamentary action to confront regional and international challenges.
His Excellency highlighted the continued suffering of Palestinians amid aggression that defies international laws, calling for decisive Arab and international action to protect Palestinians. He emphasized Qatar's diplomatic efforts, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in working with Egypt and the United States to broker a ceasefire, exchange prisoners, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
HE the Speaker underscored Qatar's ongoing diplomatic role to find a comprehensive solution that ends Palestinian suffering and halts Israeli aggression. He insisted on the implementation of international agreements and holding the international community accountable for any violations.
His Excellency referenced Article 7 of Qatar's Permanent Constitution, which supports just causes and resolves disputes through mediation and dialogue, noting successful regional peace efforts. He condemned Israeli statements about establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi Arabian land, calling it a violation of international laws.
The Speaker rejected unilateral solutions undermining Palestinian rights and emphasized the Arab consensus on establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, adhering to international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim criticized the Knesset for legislating illegal settlements and urged international parliamentary bodies to take firm stances against such policies, including suspending the Knesset's membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
He also highlighted Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA and stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where ongoing crimes have resulted in substantial casualties and destruction. His Excellency called for urgent reconstruction efforts without displacing the population.
The Speaker noted that supporting Palestinians extends beyond politics, involving parliamentary efforts to document Israeli violations and rally international support. He praised Arab efforts for regional solidarity, citing the return of Syria to the Arab fold as crucial for regional stability.
His Excellency mentioned HH the Amir's visit to Damascus as a demonstration of Qatar's commitment to Arab unity. Concluding his speech, he expressed confidence that the conference's unified vision would strengthen Arab action to protect Palestinian rights and mobilize international aid.
The conference concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Arab Parliament and the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and the adoption of an Arab parliamentary document supporting Palestinian rights. This document will be presented at the upcoming Arab Summit.
On the conference sidelines, HE Speaker of the Shura Council met with HE Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations.