Qatar condemns Colombia's opening of embassy to Israel in occupied Jerusalem

The State of Qatar has condemned and denounced the Republic of Colombia's opening of an embassy to Israel in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of international law and relevant international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 478 (1980).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar's rejection of any measures aimed at altering Jerusalem's historical and legal status quo.

The ministry called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities and take action to counter any attempts to impose a new reality in the occupied city. It also called for the city's historical and legal status quo to be preserved and for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to be safeguarded.

As set out in the statement, Qatar's position rests on two points. The first is that the opening of the embassy breaches international law and relevant international resolutions, with Security Council Resolution 478 (1980) singled out by name. The second is that Doha rejects any step that changes the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem. The statement refers to Jerusalem as an occupied city and to the Palestinians as a brotherly people.