Qatar Emir: 'Gaza siege is no longer acceptable or justifiable'

The Emir of Qatar; Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani today called on all Arabs to end the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip to allow Gaza’s residents to move freely and life normal lives.

Speaking before the Arab Summit in Kuwait, Al-Thani said; “The Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip is no longer acceptable or justifiable, neither politically nor morally. We have made efforts to alleviate the suffering of Gaza and overcome the fuel crises.”

The Sheikh called on the Palestinian leadership to end its political division and form a transitional government according to the Cairo Agreement of 2011 and the Doha Declaration of 2012.

The Emir said that Arab states have to fulfil their financial commitments to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli policies. He regretted that some Arab states did not fulfil their financial commitment to contribute one billion dollars to the Jerusalem Fund saying Qatar has already donated a quarter of the amount and is committed to paying another quarter in coordination with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Al-Thani called for a fair settlement for the Palestinian cause based on the decisions of “international and Arab legitimacy”.

He pointed out that the Israeli policies represent an obstacle to achieving peace by evading international resolutions and demanding new conditions during every round of negotiations. “The settlement activity, the Judaisation of Jerusalem and the settlers’ attacks against Al-Aqsa Mosque hinders peace efforts and leave Arabs doubtful of the peace process.”

He added: “Israel must realise that the only solution to end the conflict and achieve peace is by withdrawing from all occupied Arab territories and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Emir concluded by stressing on the importance of his country’s relation with Egypt and respecting the Egyptians’ will through inclusive political dialogue.