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In a sensitive regional context that requires reaffirming commitment to international law and the rights of peoples, yesterday's United Nations conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, saw Qatar's position once again emerge as a firm and unambiguous one: unconditional support for the two-state solution as the only viable framework for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khalifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, clearly expressed this position during the conference, emphasizing that the State of Qatar seeks to promote the concepts of peace and justice through a culture of dialogue and coexistence, and that any narrative of peace must be consistent with the principles of international law and the principle of a two-state solution. This underscores that Qatari diplomacy does not treat the Palestinian issue as a passing political matter, but as a matter of ethics and humanity that is a permanent priority in its foreign policy.Qatar does not just issue statements, but also takes concrete action on the ground through effective diplomatic partnerships, such as its close cooperation with France in pushing towards a peaceful solution based on the resolutions of the international legitimacy. In the joint statement issued in June last year following the annual strategic dialogue between the two countries, Doha and Paris emphasized the need to stop the fighting in Gaza, release the detainees, and counter any attempts at forced displacement, considering this a blatant violation of international law and a source of regional instability.The international conference, organized with French and Saudi sponsorship and supported by Qatar, holds the hope of reactivating the political track and providing a realistic roadmap leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within internationally recognized borders. If this initiative succeeds, it could open up new horizons for the peoples of the region to break out of the cycle of continuous violence.

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, caused by the blockade and widespread destruction, the State of Qatar continues its urgent relief efforts to support the Palestinian people and meet the growing needs of the affected population. Qatar recently dispatched 49 trucks of humanitarian aid to both Egypt and Jordan, in coordination with the Qatar Development Fund, the Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Red Crescent, with the aim of transporting the aid to Gaza in coordination with the World Food Programme for distribution to thousands of affected families.These aid deliveries are part of Qatar's ongoing efforts since the beginning of the aggression, with a total of 514 trucks sent up to February, benefiting approximately 1.5 million people in the sector. Following the announcement of the ceasefire in January, Qatar quickly dispatched several shipments of aid, starting with the entry of 90 trucks through the Jordanian border during the first few days, carrying over 100,000 food parcels weighing approximately 1,670 tons. This was followed by the entry of 107 trucks through the Egyptian Rafah crossing, as well as 317 other trucks sent during the period of the aggression, bringing the total to 514 trucks.Qatar's aid extended beyond food, also providing vital support to the energy and medical sectors. Qatar dispatched 245 trucks carrying approximately 12.5 million liters of fuel via the Karam Abu Salem crossing to ensure the operation of hospitals and generators. Furthermore, Qatar dispatched 116 humanitarian aircraft carrying various aid, making it one of the most prominent humanitarian initiatives in the region to support Gaza.At a time when humanitarian aid has become an absolute necessity, not just a gesture of solidarity, Qatar reaffirms its commitment to standing by the affected populations, emphasizing that this is a moral obligation that cannot be delayed.

The welcome expressed by the members of the Security Council regarding Qatar's efforts to facilitate the signing of the principles agreement between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River/March 23 Movement, as well as the deep appreciation expressed by the members for Qatar's mediation efforts, comes as an extension of the widespread praise received by many countries and organizations around the world, as well as the significant international and regional appreciation for the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar in mediating between representatives of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and representatives of the March 23 Movement, which resulted in the signing of the principles agreement between the two parties, paving the way for strengthening peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Qatar's record, which is full of successful mediations and significant contributions to promoting security and stability in various parts of the world, reflects Qatar's firm commitment to preventive diplomacy and mediation, and its highest priority in its foreign policy to resolve disputes peacefully and through dialogue, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.Through its diplomatic efforts that overcome all complexities and difficulties, in order to reach an agreement to end the genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, to the Iranian nuclear issue, and developments in Afghanistan, and even the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Qatar is undertaking dedicated efforts, not only to promote peace in Africa and the Great Lakes region, but also to contribute to strengthening international security and peace, through mediation and support for dialogue and understanding between the various parties.The vital roles played by effective diplomacy have made Doha the capital of mediation and dialogue, and Qatar a beacon of peace in the world.

The extremist right-wing Israeli government, through its criminal schemes, continues to pour more fuel on the fire every day, and continues to exacerbate the escalating tensions in the region, which are worsening due to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian disaster it has caused in the sector. One of the latest of these schemes and colonial expansionist policies is the Israeli Knesset's approval of a declaration calling for the imposition of what is known as...&»Israeli sovereignty&"In the occupied West Bank, and following this with the allocation of $274.6 million to support more colonial projects in the occupied West Bank." &In light of the ongoing aggression and collective genocide in Gaza, including the use of food and starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, this declaration, which was approved by the Israeli Knesset, to annex the West Bank, represents a new declaration of war against the Palestinian people, and a continuation of crimes of genocide and displacement, and an attempt to liquidate the Palestinian issue and undermine the international consensus on the principle of a two-state solution. &This declaration, which constitutes a blatant and unacceptable violation of international law and a serious breach of the resolutions of the Security Council, cannot alter the legal status of the occupied Palestinian territory. All resolutions of the international community affirm the invalidity of all measures aimed at legitimizing the occupation, including settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1967.The international community, led by the Security Council and all relevant parties, is obligated to fulfill its legal and ethical responsibilities and to take urgent action to halt Israel's illegal policies aimed at imposing fait accompli through force and undermining the opportunities for achieving a just and lasting peace, as well as for implementing the two-state solution based on the resolutions of international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. This would lead to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The announcement of the formation of the Bid Committee for hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, chaired by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and with Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-President of the Qatar Foundation, as his deputy, reflects the state's commitment to organizing the Olympic Games as a comprehensive national project, in line with Qatar's Vision 2030.Since assuming the presidency of the Qatar Olympic Committee in 2015, Sheikh Juma'a has played a pivotal role in enhancing Qatar's position on the global sports map, through a strategic vision that has made sports a fundamental pillar of Qatar's national vision, and a means of expressing its ambition to use sports as a bridge for peace and understanding between peoples, and to promote sustainable development at both the local and international levels. His tenure has seen significant achievements for Qatar in hosting numerous international events, thanks to his prominent presence in the global and Olympic sports arenas, as well as his position as Vice-President of the National Olympic Committees and Vice-President of the Asian Olympic Committee, which reflects his leadership role in promoting sports in this region of the world. The selection of Her Excellency, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, as Vice-Presidents of the Committee, represents a unique combination of sporting, educational, and developmental expertise, given her distinguished record in education, innovation, and community development, and her contributions to promoting women's and girls' participation in sports, and providing comprehensive pathways that offer opportunities for empowerment and professional participation in the sports sector.The formation of the bid committee for hosting, represents a new chapter in Qatar's journey as it solidifies its position on the international stage as a global center for sports and sustainable development, based on a unique legacy and a track record of achievements that have garnered widespread international acclaim.

The announcement by the Qatar Olympic Committee regarding a country's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the statement by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Bid Committee, emphasizing Qatar's belief in the power and impact of sports in bringing people and cultures together, empowering its citizens, and unlocking human potential, particularly among young people, based on the national vision that sees sports as a driver of development and a platform for promoting understanding and peace between nations.This selection marks the culmination of a successful and accomplished sporting career, as Qatar has hosted 18 World Championships in the past 20 years, including the 2022 World Cup, which was described as the best edition in the history of the World Cup, the 2015 World Handball Championship, the 2019 World Athletics Championships, the 2024 World Water Sports Championships, and the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships, as well as major multi-sport events, such as the 2006 Asian Games. &Undoubtedly, the State of Qatar, with its advanced sports facilities, world-class infrastructure, and distinctive and advanced knowledge and operational expertise, will present an exceptional bid to host this global event, particularly in light of the firm commitment announced by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to present an inspiring edition of the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. &This bid embodies the advanced position that Qatar has achieved on the international sports arena, and reflects a comprehensive vision that goes beyond hosting, towards enhancing the role of sports as a global language, supporting sustainable development, and as a means of bringing people together and celebrating diversity, while welcoming the world with all its cultures, in line with Qatar's commitment to the concept of&"Sports for Peace"&"… as one of the core principles of her national vision.

In the face of the humanitarian catastrophe that has reached its peak in the Palestinian territories, and Gaza in particular, where its residents are facing all forms of genocide, including collective starvation and the suffocating siege imposed on two million Palestinians, a type of international and regional movement has begun to denounce the Israeli entity. Calls for an immediate end to the genocide war have intensified, with a joint statement from 25 Western countries, including Britain, France, Italy, Canada, and Australia, calling for an end to the war in Gaza.&Immediately&"It considers the suffering of Palestinian civilians to be unprecedented, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his shock at the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the last arteries of life that keep the population alive are on the verge of collapse."Regionally, the Arab League issued a statement holding the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, including the policy of collective starvation, which constitutes a complete war crime and requires immediate accountability by the international community. Meanwhile, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are preparing to hold emergency meetings to discuss political, legal, and diplomatic measures at both the Arab and international levels to address the serious and unprecedented violations of the Israeli occupation and to deal with the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.This regional and international movement reflects the world's shock at the horrific crimes committed by the Israeli entity and its use of starvation as a weapon in the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. However, the global human conscience, in its fragile state, can no longer remain passive. It must translate its positions into concrete and effective actions, leading to an immediate cessation of the genocide, the lifting of the brutal siege and the systematic starvation policy, and the saving of innocent lives. It must also ensure that those responsible for war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people are held accountable.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, received yesterday a thank-you message from Dr. Friedrich Mertels, Advisor to the Federal Republic of Germany, for Qatar's assistance in facilitating the return of a group of Afghans to their country from Germany, praising Qatar's efforts and humanitarian initiatives.The facilitation of the return of this group of 81 Afghan citizens, who had been in the Federal Republic of Germany, to their homeland, came as part of Qatar's ongoing commitment to playing a mediating role and facilitating communication between Afghanistan and the international community. Qatar has continued to play a vital role in coordinating international efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations, relevant countries, and the interim Afghan government, a role that began after the announcement of the US forces' withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, in accordance with the historic Doha agreement signed on February 29, 2020. Since then, Qatar has made significant efforts related to the Afghan file, most notably through the historic evacuation operations via the largest air bridge for Western and Afghan citizens wishing to leave their country, from the Afghan capital, Kabul, to the Qatari territories, in coordination with the relevant parties and those present in Afghanistan.Qatar's continuous support for the Afghan people in facing multiple challenges, and its assistance in achieving peace and stability, as well as its commitment to effectively addressing humanitarian issues related to the situation in Afghanistan through constructive cooperation with international partners, are part of its broader diplomatic approach that relies on dialogue and coordination as a means of providing practical solutions to complex global challenges. This has made Qatar's effective role in developments in the Afghan arena highly praised internationally.Qatar values all roles, humanitarian and political, because they contribute to the ultimate goal, which is to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and achieve the aspirations of the Afghan people.

Qatar continues to play a leading and vital role in resolving conflicts peacefully around the world and promoting regional and international stability, through its effective and active diplomacy in supporting dialogue and understanding between different parties. In this context, the achievement of Qatari diplomacy yesterday, with the signing of a declaration of principles by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River/March 23 Movement, represents a practical roadmap towards peace and national reconciliation, leading to a comprehensive agreement to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo, a region rich in natural resources, particularly minerals, which have led to a humanitarian crisis and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.The principles declaration, the result of Qatar's intensive diplomatic efforts over the past months, came after the historic summit in Doha, where His Excellency Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, met with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. During the summit, they affirmed their commitment to peace, and President Felix Tshisekedi expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the Congo River/March 23 Movement.And perhaps the commendations from the African Union, the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, among others, regarding the constructive mediation efforts and the leading role played by the State of Qatar in promoting peace and stability throughout Africa, reflect Qatar's significant contributions to enhancing international efforts for security and peace, its firm belief in the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts, and its commitment to supporting peaceful efforts aimed at ending conflicts around the world.