Israeli settlement expansion undermining two-state solution: Emir of Qatar

DOHA (AA) – Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has called for support to the Palestinian people to find a just political solution. He made the statement while addressing the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City,

“It is not acceptable for the Palestinian people to remain prisoners of the Israeli settler occupation arbitrariness. Nor is the rejection of any just political solution in accordance with the principles of international legitimacy,” Sheikh Tamim said.

He said the failure of international organizations continues to provide the opportunity for Israel “to undermine the foundations of the two-state solution by means of settlement expansion.”

The Qatari leader also spoke about attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, especially the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the use of heavy-handed means against Palestinians. He called out the Zionist state for inhuman restrictions in the Gaza Strip.

He said Doha provides political, humanitarian and development support to the “brotherly Palestinian people” and contributes towards rebuilding the Gaza Strip, which is “reeling under the siege.”

The emir also spoke on the crisis in Syria. He said Syria “is still awaiting a comprehensive settlement through a political process leading to a political transition.”

Sheikh Tamim also touched upon the ongoing civil war in Sudan, saying: “We condemn the crimes perpetrated against civilians in the capital Khartoum and Darfur region.” He called for “holding perpetrators to account,” and for cessation of fighting.

He affirmed Qatar’s “support for all regional and international efforts to facilitate reaching a cease-fire and hold a dialogue between the Sudanese political forces about the future of Sudan, with only one army charged with protecting rather than ruling the country.”

Regarding the incidents of desecration of the Noble Quran in a number of European countries, the emir said “it is implausible for us to get distracted by an idiot or a biased person whenever it occurs to him to provoke us by burning the Holy Quran or by other forms of triviality.”

“The Quran is too holy to be desecrated by a witless person,” he said, adding that “compromising the sanctity of others deliberately should not be seen as an example of the freedom of expression.”