Geneva, September 29 (QNA) – The State of Qatar affirmed that the continued Israeli occupation, grave violations and crimes against Palestinians, illegal settlement expansion, attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, and attacks on Syria and Lebanon constitute grave violations of international law.

This statement was delivered Tuesday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah during the general debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories (Agenda Item 7) at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s strongest condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, the ongoing humanitarian suffering of the Palestinians, the incursions by settlers and extremists into the Al Aqsa Mosque, and attempts to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem.

Her Excellency said that Israel’s declared refusal to implement the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, endorsed by Security Council Resolution 2803, represents a direct challenge and a deliberate attempt to undermine international efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, implementing the two-state solution, and realizing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

She urged the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to end the Israeli occupation, ensure accountability for crimes committed against Palestinians, and halt any support that contributes to the expansion and entrenchment of illegal Israeli settlements.

Her Excellency welcomed the measures taken by certain countries, including trade restrictions on goods originating from settlements, calling for their expansion to ensure that illegal Israeli settlement activity is not supported and that states fulfill their responsibilities. (QNA)