The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the continued perpetration of crimes and violations by Israel, the occupying power, against the brotherly Palestinian people, the killing of civilians, including children and women, the use of excessive, unjustified, and disproportionate force, the repeated attacks on the Gaza Strip, and the imposition of collective punishment on it.

This came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered by Acting Charge d'Affairs of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar at the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Mrs. Juhara Al Suwaidi before the 49th session of the Human Rights Council, during the interactive dialogue on the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, to ensure accountability and justice, under item 2 of the council's agenda.

Al Suwaidi said that the continuation of Israeli settlement and racist policies and practices, and the state of impunity, are very dangerous matters that have contributed to prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people, and encouraged the continued occupation of Palestinian lands, the confiscation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the failure to reach a permanent, just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause.

She stressed that commitment to international laws and humanitarian issues cannot be divided or applied in one place in the world, and forgotten or transgressed in another place, considering this unacceptable double standard, because the sanctity of peoples blood and their rights are equal no matter how different the places.

Also, she underscored that the time has come for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and take what is necessary to end the Israeli occupation, stop violations and aggression against the Palestinian people, protect them, and ensure accountability for the violations committed against them.

Acting Charge d'Affairs of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva Mrs. Juhara Al Suwaidi reiterated the State of Qatar's affirmation to continue its steadfast position in support of the Palestinian people and their just cause, until they regain all their legitimate rights and establish their independent and fully sovereign state based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.