Qatar has stressed the importance of protecting food security and strengthening the resilience of countries vulnerable to food insecurity during an open debate at the United Nations Security Council in New York.
The statement was delivered by HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, during the discussion titled "Food Under Fire: The Security Council's Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises", held under the agenda item on maintaining international peace and security.
HE Sheikha Alya said that eight years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 (2018), armed conflicts remain among the main drivers of food insecurity.
She noted that conflicts can destroy food systems, disrupt trade and energy flows, close transport routes and obstruct humanitarian assistance, while hunger itself can further deepen instability.
Qatar stressed the need to uphold the prohibition on using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and to protect objects indispensable to their survival.
HE Sheikha Alya pointed to recent cases of severe food insecurity and famine, highlighting the Gaza Strip as a clear example of the humanitarian suffering caused by armed conflict.
She said Qatar, as it continues its role in facilitating implementation of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza and the ceasefire agreement reached alongside Egypt, the United States and Türkiye, stresses the need to ensure the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
Qatar also reiterated the urgent need for full implementation of the comprehensive plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), describing it as a path towards ending the war, reconstruction and achieving a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the two-state solution.
The statement also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar warning that the continued closure of the strait threatens the vital interests of regional countries and the global economy.
HE Sheikha Alya said disruption to maritime trade raises costs and affects fertiliser and food markets, with import-dependent countries and the most vulnerable states bearing the greatest burden.
Qatar reaffirmed that freedom of navigation through the vital waterway is a firmly established principle that cannot be compromised, stressing that the immediate priority is to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).
She said Qatar's priority is to contain the escalation and reopen the way for diplomatic efforts, adding that Qatar, as a contributor to mediation efforts, is seeking to reopen the strait as quickly as possible.
Qatar stressed that any future arrangements concerning management of the strait or related issues should be based on regional consensus and full respect for international law in a way that safeguards regional security and stability.
The statement also highlighted Qatar's humanitarian assistance and initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of conflicts on civilians and strengthening the resilience of communities affected by food insecurity, including in Gaza and other areas.
Qatar said it will continue working with its partners across the United Nations system, providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts and supporting food systems alongside its diplomatic efforts to address root causes through preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention, peaceful settlement and peacebuilding.
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