Today's Edition
NEW YORK CITY (ALETIHAD)
The UAE reiterated its call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a two-state solution, calling it “the only way to end the conflict sustainably and prevent the cycle of violence” during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on the situation in the Middle East.
Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN delivered the address on behalf of the UAE.
Nusseibeh began her address by acknowledging the severity of the situation, stating: “We have all heard today how the scale of suffering in Gaza competes with some of the darkest periods of our history.”
She emphasised that this moment could either be an inflection point or the point of no return and stressed that the conflict is already spilling over in the Middle East.
The UAE outlined three key steps to bring the crises in the Middle East to an end.
Humanitarian Ceasefire
The first step advocated by the UAE is the immediate implementation of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Nusseibeh emphasised: “The overwhelming majority of the international community has called for this repeatedly, and it is time that the minority view stop obstructing it from happening.”
She stressed the urgency, highlighting the catastrophic impact of the ongoing Israeli bombardment on Gaza, resulting in what the UN has described as the worst humanitarian crisis in its history.
“The humanitarian imperative at this moment must be our top priority, in addition to the ceasefire, so that life-saving aid can enter at scale and hostages can be allowed out and returned to their families safely”, she said.
Short Truces for Urgent Humanitarian Aid
Nusseibeh underlined the need for urgent humanitarian aid and services to reach those in need and for hostages to be released during shorter truces in parallel with ceasefire efforts.
She cited previous truces at the end of November that allowed for additional assistance and humanitarian activities in Gaza as positive examples to follow. Security Council resolutions 2712 and 2720, which involve the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, must be fully implemented, she urged.
Furthermore, Nusseibeh urged an end to the “dual-use” restrictions that hinder the delivery of basic medical supplies to Gaza. She called for the full opening of border crossings, the resumption of the Port of Ashdod, and the removal of restrictions on the movement of humanitarian workers.
Two-state Solution
The third and crucial step outlined in the UAE’s statement was the insistence on a resolution anchored in the two-state solution.
Nusseibeh stated unequivocally that “the UAE will not support a return to the failed status quo”, emphasising that the two-state solution must be the starting point for negotiations.
Nusseibeh called for responsible leadership on both sides that prioritises peace, dignity, and equality for both peoples.
Nusseibeh stressed the need for a defined and agreed-upon way towards the two-state solution, coupled with a workable governance structure, as the only sustainable path to ending the conflict and preventing future cycles of violence.
Nusseibeh emphasised the moral, political, and strategic imperative of ending the war in Gaza. She stated: “This is not only a moral and political duty to end the war on Gaza but also a strategic imperative if there is any hope of a prosperous future for our region.”
