The Shura Council State of Qatar

HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position regarding the Palestinian cause, and Qatar's support of all the Palestinian people's rights, led by their right in establishing their independent state with Al Quds as its capital, and the right of return to refugees.

This came during Her Excellency's speech during the 16th conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), in Istanbul. She referred to the assistance provided by the State of Qatar, according to the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to Palestinian institutions and their funds, the most recent of which was $25 million to support the resources of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) last November.

Her Excellency said that this session gains significance in view of the substantive issues it discusses, foremost among which is the continuing occupation of the Palestinian and Arab lands in its aggressive practices aimed at completing the separation of the city of Al Quds from its Palestinian surroundings. In this context, Her Excellency referred to the practices of the occupying entity to Judaize Al Quds, and its efforts to annex it and change its historical, legal and demographic reality in a desperate attempt to remove it from any future negotiations as the capital of the Palestinian state.

Her Excellency also called on the conference to strengthen efforts to support the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people by all available financial and moral means, revive the Al-Quds Fund, support UNRWA, and provide possible support through it to the Palestinian people, especially in light of the challenges faced by the whole world as a result of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council praised the efforts of PUIC in condemning the occupation and supporting the Palestinian cause. She discussed developments related to Muslims worldwide, touching upon conditions in Afghanistan where 22 million people lack food security.

Her Excellency highlighted the role of the State of Qatar in Afghanistan through mediation and balanced diplomatic efforts, in addition to delivering humanitarian aid and repatriating Afghans and citizens of other countries. Her excellency also discussed the migration issue, and stressed that this issue needs to be resolved at the root by ending wars.
She said that the State of Qatar continues to support the activities and programs of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and that Qatari charitable and humanitarian institutions are keen to strengthen and develop strategic partnerships and coordinate efforts with many international humanitarian organizations in order to support refugee issues, improve their living conditions and alleviate their suffering around the world.

In concluding her speech, HE Al Sulaiti called on legislative bodies to cooperate to tackle all joint issues, and stressed on the importance of encouraging people to engage actively.