Qatar Urges Global Action Against Israeli Violations, Reaffirms Support for Two-State Solution

The State of Qatar on May 09, 2026, called on the international community to take action against Israeli violations and implement United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2334 and 2803. Qatar reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the Palestinian people, backing efforts for a just and full peace based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution. This firm stance shows Qatar's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, delivered the statement during an Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, held at the UN headquarters in New York. The statement was issued at 6:49 PM (QNA) on May 09, 2026.

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated the meeting was timely "to highlight the ongoing escalation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, despite efforts to achieve peace and end the war in the Gaza Strip through the full plan proposed by HE President of the United States Donald Trump." She added, "The State of Qatar stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in confronting repeated Israeli violations and implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2334 and 2803." Qatar condemned incursions into the Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers, along with the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. Sheikha Alya described these actions as "a flagrant violation of international law and a provocation to Muslims around the world." The statement also noted "accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel's decision to approve over 30 new settlements," and "condemned the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians." Sheikha Alya showed "the need to preserve the existing legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites." Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani delivered this key statement, reiterating Qatar's unwavering position on these critical issues.

Condemnation of Settlement Activity

The State of Qatar maintained that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is an integral part of the two-state solution. Qatar described settlement activities as illegal and "a flagrant violation of international law," as stated by eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries. These activities also violate Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2334 and 2803, and the 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. The State of Qatar condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to designate land in the occupied West Bank as so-called 'state land'. This move, according to Qatar, further undermines the prospects for peace and stability in the region.

Qatar also rejected all measures intended to alter the demographic composition, character, and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Such measures were characterized as an assault on the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution. These actions also undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability, including the 20-point plan on Gaza. The statement further denounced "accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel's decision to approve over 30 new settlements." It also "condemned the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians." Qatar emphasized that these actions directly contradict international law and established resolutions, posing a significant challenge to regional peace efforts. The call for accountability for those responsible for these violations was also a key part of Qatar's message, noting the need for justice and adherence to international norms.

Escalation in Jerusalem and West Bank

The United Kingdom, the French Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Hellenic Republic, and the Republic of Latvia jointly organized the Security Council meeting where these issues were discussed. The meeting, an Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council, was held at the UN headquarters in New York. It aimed to highlight the ongoing escalation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, occurring despite efforts to achieve peace and end the war in the Gaza Strip through the full plan proposed by HE President of the United States Donald Trump. The discussions at the meeting served as a platform for member states to address the pressing concerns regarding the situation on the ground.

Qatar condemned the escalating violence by settlers against Palestinians, which included recent attacks on schools and Palestinian children. The State of Qatar called for accountability for those responsible for these violations. The statement also condemned "the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians." Qatar further noted "accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel's decision to approve over 30 new settlements." These actions, including incursions into the Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards, were described as a flagrant violation of international law and a provocation to Muslims around the world. Qatar reiterated its rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, viewing them as an assault on the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution, and as undermining efforts to achieve peace and stability, including the 20-point plan on Gaza.

Regional Diplomatic Push

Foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt issued a joint statement on Thursday, collectively condemning what they described as Israel's "repeated violations" of the status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites. The ministers emphasized the critical importance of "preserving the status quo" and called for "recognizing the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship in this regard." This collective diplomatic effort also noted the broader rejection of measures intended to alter the demographic composition, character, and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, which Qatar characterized as undermining the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution, including the 20-point plan on Gaza. Earlier in the week, most of these same ministers were signatories to another joint statement, which reproached Israel's announcement of sending a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland. This concerted regional action shows the widespread concern among these nations regarding Israeli policies and actions in the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem.