New York – Information Office - October 19

The State of Qatar reiterated the importance of the Palestinian people enjoying their full rights and sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as the enjoyment by the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan of their rights over natural resources.

This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, before the UN's Second Committee (Economic and Financial) during its 76th session, on the item on the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources.

Qatar's statement indicated that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to an increase in the continuous suffering of the Palestinian people and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan, exacerbated the deteriorating economic conditions and negatively affected development, referring to the report of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to the Committee under this item, which monitored the sharp decline in the Palestinian economy in 2020, in addition to food insecurity, high unemployment and poverty rates.

In its statement, the State of Qatar expressed its deep concern about access to education in a safe learning environment, due to restrictions on access to education, attacks against students, and the destruction of education infrastructure.

Given the importance of providing equal access for all to quality and equitable education, the State of Qatar has strengthened its support to UNRWA, including its educational program, the statement continued, adding that the Qatar Fund for Development continues to support education in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through projects aimed at keeping children in schools and increasing opportunities for higher education.

In line with the State of Qatar's firm commitment to support the brotherly Palestinian people and support their steadfastness, and under the direction of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar announced in May 2021 the provision of USD 500 million in support of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, noted the statement, adding that in last September, a cash aid program to provide assistance to about 100,000 vulnerable families in the Gaza Strip has begun, with support from the State of Qatar amounting to USD 40 million over four months.

The statement also highlighted the support provided by the State of Qatar at the humanitarian and development levels with the aim of alleviating human suffering, explaining that the Qatari grants have achieved tangible effects in addressing urgent and long-term needs.

Qatar re-emphasized in its statement the importance of the Palestinian people enjoying their full rights and sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as the enjoyment by the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan of their rights over natural resources

This matter is an integral part of the requirements for compliance with international law and an important factor to ensure justice and peace, said the statement, stressing that the State of Qatar will spare no effort to continue to devote and support the stability necessary to achieve peace.