Jeddah: The State of Qatar actively participated in the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This session was convened to address the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatari delegation was led by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. During the session, Al Muraikhi emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains central to the Islamic nation, especially amid the severe challenges posed by the escalating Israeli actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Al Muraikhi highlighted the systematic starvation and tight blockade faced by over a million people in Gaza. He criticized Israel's military plans and actions, which aim to impose a new forced reality and further consolidate the occupation, thus breaching international laws and resolutions.
He reiterated Qatar's rejection and condemnation of Israel's unlawful practices, including efforts to displace Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. Al Muraikhi warned of the dire consequences of Israel's settlement expansion policies on both regional and global security.
Furthermore, Al Muraikhi condemned the targeting of Palestinian journalists, particularly the recent incident resulting in the deaths of six journalists in Gaza, including five working for Al Jazeera. He stated that such actions violate international humanitarian law and attempt to suppress truthful reporting.
The minister also condemned attacks on medical personnel and paramedics working in challenging humanitarian conditions, describing these as crimes against humanity that require accountability and protection for those involved.
Al Muraikhi stressed the need for immediate international action to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories. He called for lifting the Gaza blockade, ensuring the free flow of humanitarian aid, and protecting civilians and infrastructure in line with international law.
He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to working with Egypt and the United States towards a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a political path leading to a two-state solution. This would ultimately establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Lastly, Al Muraikhi praised nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood, viewing these decisions as aligning with international legitimacy and supporting Palestinian rights to an independent state.