The UAE has called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza amid an escalating conflict. The appeal was made during the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels, which also saw participation from foreign ministers of European Union countries, partners from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. The high-level discussions focused on the Middle East peace process and enhancing cooperation between the EU and Arab nations to find a political solution to the conflict.
Represented by Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the EU, the UAE emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, respect for international law, and a renewed commitment to the two-state solution by Israel and the reformed Palestinian Authority. Nusseibeh highlighted the UAE's humanitarian efforts, revealing that the nation is the largest bilateral donor to Gaza, having provided over 32,000 tons of food, medical supplies, and other essential materials since the conflict began.
The UAE has also been involved in providing medical treatment and potable water to those affected. Recently, it dispatched an aid shipment via the sea corridor from Cyprus, bringing the total aid delivered through this passage to 1,100 tons. Nusseibeh stressed that these contributions are insufficient, urging for the lifting of border restrictions and acceleration of aid examinations.
Parallel to the UAE's efforts, international medical and humanitarian organizations have urged an end to the war on Gaza and the facilitation of unobstructed humanitarian aid delivery. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have highlighted the dire situation, with civilians exposed to incessant bombardment and lack of essential health and relief services.
Doctors Without Borders has pointed out that all health facilities in Gaza are incapacitated and that civilians are being subjected to brutal collective punishment. Similarly, UNICEF has indicated that residents lack sufficient aid and fuel, with safe zones in the Strip being non-existent. The Red Cross and Red Crescent have echoed calls for a ceasefire to enable humanitarian access.
Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, called for a political solution to establish a ceasefire necessary for delivering aid. She emphasized the Federation's readiness to provide assistance but stressed that a ceasefire is essential for effective intervention. Forbes highlighted the grim conditions in Rafah, where displaced Palestinians are facing severe shortages of housing, water, and sanitation, further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
- Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh reiterated the importance of a unified approach between the EU and Arab countries to address the Middle East crisis. She mentioned her bilateral meetings with Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry, Tor Wensland, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and Robert Oliphant, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussing the vital need for peace and security in the region.
- Nusseibeh was accompanied by Mohammed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, and Luxembourg, and Abdul Rahman Al Neyadi, Director of European Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their presence underscores the UAE's proactive diplomatic efforts in seeking a resolution to the conflict.
