The UAE is committed to ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, affirmed the UAE’s commitment to continue working with its regional and international partners to implement the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in security and peace.

This came during his speech before the Security Council’s open discussion on “the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.”

He reviewed before the Council the role played by the UAE in implementing Security Council Resolution No. 2803, which approved the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, pointing to the state’s membership in both the Peace Council and the Executive Council for Gaza, and working with partners to activate the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supporting the Office of the High Representative, and moving forward with the implementation of the various stages of the plan with all its elements, in accordance with what was stipulated in the comprehensive plan, paving the way towards the full handover of the Palestinian Authority, after its reform. Its responsibilities in Gaza and the West Bank.

He expressed the UAE’s deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, the continued violence of Israeli settlers, and the Israeli violations in Jerusalem and Islamic and Christian sanctities, stressing the necessity of preserving the existing historical and legal situation there, as it is a basic pillar of any credible political path that leads to a comprehensive and just solution.

Regarding Lebanon, he said: “The UAE welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between the Republic of Lebanon and the State of Israel on April 16, and its extension for an additional three weeks, and appreciates the American diplomatic efforts that led to this agreement. It also affirms its full solidarity with the Lebanese government and its support for its efforts to confine arms to the state and dismantle terrorist organizations, which represents a pivotal step in the path of consolidating national security and stability. In this regard, we commend the achievements of the Lebanese army in “Progress has been made in extending state authority south of the Litani River, and we renew our firm commitment to supporting Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our permanent standing by the brotherly Lebanese people.”

He renewed the UAE’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli attacks that targeted a number of areas in Lebanon, calling for stopping the escalation and settling disputes by peaceful means, stressing the importance of protecting civilians in accordance with the provisions of international law.

He also stressed the UAE’s strong condemnation of the attacks targeting the peacekeeping forces of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including the French and Indonesian units, which constitute a grave violation of international law and the provisions of Security Council Resolution 1701. He called on all parties to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL forces.

Regarding the UAE’s humanitarian efforts, His Excellency said: “Since the outbreak of the conflict, the UAE has provided about $3 billion in humanitarian aid to the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and has also pledged to allocate an additional $1.2 billion through the Peace Council. Operation Gallant Knight 3 continues to deliver aid by land, sea and air.”

He stressed that aid, despite its importance, is not enough, calling for the immediate opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, allowing international humanitarian organizations to perform their tasks without obstacles and fully respond to needs in accordance with humanitarian priorities in the Gaza Strip.