Qatar's Emir: Our region is going through one of its most dangerous phases, and the crisis is the result of postponement and temporary solutions
Sheikh Tamim's speech at the UN General Assembly
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- What happened in Gaza is a stain on the face of humanity, and we continue our efforts to consolidate the ceasefire.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani affirmed on Tuesday that the Middle East is going through one of its most dangerous phases, stressing that the crises afflicting the region are the result of years of postponing solutions and relying on temporary and unrealistic measures.
In a speech before the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim stated that dialogue and negotiation are the path to resolving disputes, emphasizing the need not to miss the opportunity for a peaceful diplomatic solution.
He noted that the core of the situation in the region is the absence of a regional collective security framework, which encourages the continuation of conflicts rather than their peaceful settlement. He warned that time does not resolve pending conflicts but rather multiplies their cost, and affirmed that wisdom and firmness are two sides of the same coin.
He confirmed that Qatar has remained a trusted mediator in several files and remains convinced that the Gulf crisis can be resolved through diplomatic channels.
On regional issues, the Qatari Emir affirmed support for the political track, reconciliation efforts, and the unification of state institutions in Libya, as well as UN efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
He also affirmed support for the state institutions in Lebanon and its sovereignty over its entire territory, stressing that the monopoly of legitimate weapons is one of the most important pillars of the state.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Sheikh Tamim said that what happened in the Strip is "a stain on the face of all humanity," noting that Israeli leaders have become open about their view that the most suitable solution is the displacement of Gaza’s residents, which they call "migration."
He clarified that Qatar has not stopped since the first day from exerting mediation efforts in Gaza until a ceasefire agreement was reached, expressing his fear that those who consider displacement a solution will obstruct anything that facilitates the lives of the Strip’s residents.
He described what happened in Gaza as "genocide in every sense of the word," calling on Israel to honor its commitments to halt operations, withdraw from the Strip, and lift the blockade.
The Qatari Emir affirmed that his country continues to work to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and transition it to lasting peace, warning that Israeli aggression has extended to neighboring countries and threatens the security of the region, including Syria.
Regarding Lebanon, Sheikh Tamim said that Israel openly declares its non-compliance with the agreement in Lebanon and insists on dealing with it through a logic of guardianship.
