From world’s ‘largest open prison’ to ‘largest mass grave’: Qatar defence minister on Gaza
Mass destruction, killings in Gaza Strip pose complex security threat to entire region
Anadolu Agency
Istanbul
Amid growing concerns over Israeli actions “constituting crime against humanity and genocide against Palestinian children,” Qatari Defense Minister H E Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah on Friday said the Gaza Strip which was the world’s “largest open prison” has now turned into “the largest mass grave.”
“Gaza Strip has been blockaded for almost 20 years and is described as the world’s largest open prison. It is now the world’s largest mass grave,” Attiyah said during his speech at Bogazici University in Istanbul.
Attiyah also described the recognition of Palestine state by Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia as a “significant step” towards regional peace and stability.
“Qatar welcomed the recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland, Spain, Norway and lately, Slovenia. This is a significant step towards supporting the two-state solution and achieving regional peace and stability,” Attiyah said.
The recent mass destruction and killings of Palestinian civilians and children in the Gaza Strip have posed a complex security threat to the entire region, he said.
“The expansion of Israeli settlement in the Palestinian territory has escalated the conflict and undermined international efforts to ensure peace and security in the region,” he further said.
Underlining that Israel doesn’t want a two-state solution, he said Qatar urges the “super and mighty powers” to impose UN Security Council’s resolutions issued since 1945.
“Qatar has been at the forefront of peace efforts for regional stability through dialogue and mediation,” he added.
Attiyah, however, said that Doha’s efforts are not helpful alone, urging the global community to take urgent action to help end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and “reinvigorate the Arab peace initiative” aiming to establish a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state.
“The UN Security Council should reaffirm its previous resolution and take the necessary step to recognize the state of Palestine as a full member of the organization and to acknowledge its rightful border and territorial integrity,” he added.
