Cairo: The Shura Council participated in the third general session of the first regular session of the fourth legislative term of the Arab Parliament, held at the Arab League General Secretariat's headquarters in Cairo. The Council also joined an emergency session dedicated to Palestine, titled "Rebuilding Gaza is a Duty, Expelling Its People is a Crime," to discuss developments in the Palestinian territories and support strategies for the Palestinian people amid ongoing challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, the sessions were attended by HE Shaikha bint Yousuf Al Jufairi, HE Issa bin Ahmed Al Nasr, HE Salem bin Rashid Al Meraikhi, and HE Hamad bin Abdulla Al Mulla, representing the Shura Council and the Arab Parliament. The general session addressed political and economic developments across the Arab region, with a significant focus on the Palestinian issue and the current situation in the occupied territories.
During the special session on Palestine, attention was directed towards the humanitarian difficulties in Gaza, particularly concerning the blockade and infrastructure destruction. Participants emphasized the necessity of both Arab and international efforts to rebuild Gaza, recognizing it as a humanitarian and legal responsibility.
Members of the Shura Council reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast position under HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's leadership, supporting the Palestinian cause. They highlighted Qatar's diplomatic activities aimed at achieving a ceasefire and its rejection of displacement and annexation calls. Qatar's humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing and medical assistance to the injured in Qatari hospitals were also underscored.
HE Shaikha Al Jufairi highlighted the critical state of the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of respecting international conventions and the two-state solution. She condemned the targeting of medical personnel and healthcare facility destruction, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. HE Issa Al Nasr emphasized the parliamentary role in supporting Palestinian rights and the need for a unified stance to halt violations.
The Arab Parliament praised Qatar's efforts, alongside Egypt, in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and called for continued efforts to stabilize the ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. The Parliament rejected any attempts to expel Palestinians, highlighting such actions as crimes against humanity and called for an emergency Arab summit in Cairo to address Palestinian developments.
Additionally, the Arab Parliament condemned statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi Arabian land, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's security as a red line. The Parliament supported Saudi Arabia's efforts to defend the Palestinian cause and garner international backing.
Members of the Shura Council also participated in various committee meetings. HE Shaikha Al Jufairi engaged in the Palestine Committee and the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women, and Youth Affairs Committee, discussing issues like health impacts on women and children in Palestine and proposing initiatives to support small projects, address the digital gap, and more.
HE Essa bin Ahmad Al Nassr contributed to the Economic Affairs and Finance Committee, which explored enhancing economic cooperation among Arab countries and supporting the blue economy. HE Salem bin Rashid Al Muraikhi participated in the Legislative, Legal, and Human Rights Affairs Committee, focusing on protecting religious symbols and addressing illegal immigration.
HE Hamad bin Abdulla Al Mulla chaired the Foreign Affairs, Political, and National Security Committee meeting, reviewing political and security developments and discussing preventive diplomacy to prevent conflicts. The committee also explored cooperation with Arab and international organizations on political and security matters.