ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) 


The UAE emphasised the urgent need for adherence to international laws designed to protect civilians, highlighting the crisis in Gaza, where “ Palestinian civilians are being deliberately and systematically targeted”, noting that the situation cannot be allowed to continue.


“Israel’s aggression has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians and injured more than 78,000 people. It has also displaced more than 75% of Gaza’s population and destroyed more than half of its buildings, including 360,000 housing units,” said His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE  and Chair of the Arab Group for the month of May, during a United Nations Security Council meeting.


The ambassador highlighted the severe impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians that extends beyond statistics.


“Behind every number, there are lives stolen, people displaced, and families that have been entirely annihilated and erased from civil records,” he remarked, underscoring the human tragedy behind the statistics.


Abushahab criticised Israel’s non-compliance with international humanitarian law and its disregard for rulings from the International Court of Justice. He described the situation in Gaza as a direct consequence of Israel’s targeted attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, compounded by severe restrictions on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies. 


“The current situation has led to unprecedented levels of food insecurity, exposing more than half a million Palestinians to famine as Israel continues to use starvation as a weapon of war,” he added.
The ambassador also condemned the targeting of humanitarian workers and the dangerous conditions they face in Gaza, one of the most perilous places on earth for these individuals. He called for an immediate and transparent investigation into these violations of international law.


Drawing attention to the broader impacts of the conflict, Abushahab noted the disproportionate suffering of women and children in Gaza. 


“The number of children killed in this war exceeds the number of children killed in all conflicts around the world over the past four years,” he stated, highlighting the severe physical and psychological toll on the youngest survivors, many of whom now live with amputations and chronic diseases.


The Arab Group’s statement also addressed the continued violence in the West Bank and Israeli attacks on Syrian and Lebanese territories, describing them as blatant violations of international law.
Abushahab reiterated the group’s demands, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. 


He urged the Security Council to take serious measures to provide international protection for the Palestinian people and to work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on 1967 borders in accordance with international resolutions.
Abushahab criticised Israel’s non-compliance with international humanitarian law and its disregard for rulings from the International Court of Justice


The ambassador also condemned the targeting of humanitarian workers and the dangerous conditions they face in Gaza