By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Qatar has officially circulated among UN Security Council members a draft statement that would express its "deep concern" over the deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza, despite an objection from the Palestinian delegation which said it should initiate the draft or at least be consulted on it.
"In principle, when it comes to any issue related to Palestine, things need to emanate from the Palestinian side. We assess the situation, make a determination as to what could be accomplished and we initiate a draft," Palestinian envoy Ryadh Mansour told reporters Thursday.
US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters "it is important that they (Palestinians) have ownership of whatever is proposed on this issue."
The Qatari delegation said they acted according to what their conscience dictated, insisting that the draft text, supported by Indonesia and other Council members, deals purely with the humanitarian situation and does not get into politics.
Mansour met Council president, China, last week to brief him on the terrible situation in Gaza and to ask the Council to shoulder its responsibility and do something about it.
Qatar seized that opportunity to initiate the move.
By the draft, the Council would express its "concern for the situation of the Palestinians stranded outside the Rafah border crossing and call for an expedient solution to ensure their urgent and safe return to Gaza."
The word Israel has been deleted twice from the text, to please mainly the US delegation.
The Council was ready to approve the text on Thursday but France said it would need some more time to consult with Paris.
By the draft, the Council would call on "all parties" to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza to facilitate the passage of imports and exports and the access of humanitarian workers to Gaza.
It would also stress the importance of the maintenance of a continuous and uninterrupted supply of fuel, electricity and water to Gaza.
It would finally call on the international community to continue to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza to meet their dire humanitarian needs.