Today's Edition
NEW YORK CITY (ALETIHAD) - Mariam Al Serkal, Diplomatic Attaché, delivered the UAE statement at the Fourth Committee general discussions for Item 50, which pertains to Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arab inhabitants in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, aligning the UAE's stance with the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
At the start of the address, the UAE emphasised that the Occupied Palestinian Territories are witnessing a serious escalation that has been going on for a long time. Al Serkal stressed the gravity of the situation, noting the ongoing bloody conflict in the Gaza Strip and the horrors faced by civilians.
She highlighted that the past two years have been among the bloodiest in the West Bank in nearly two decades, coupled with repeated assaults on Al-Aqsa Mosque, further exacerbating the tension and turmoil. The UAE stressed that illegitimate Israeli practices against the Palestinian people, which violate international law and UN resolutions, not only hamper peace efforts and the two-state solution but also contribute to the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in the occupied territories.
Expressing the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict, the UAE underscored the devastating impact of relentless Israeli bombardment and the complete blockade on the Gaza Strip. Al Serkal highlighted that over 10,000 Palestinians lost their lives, 4,000 of which were children and 2,500 women.
The UAE stressed that the acute shortage of basic necessities, such as water, food, and electricity, has created an untenable situation for the civilian population. Furthermore, the displacement of approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip's population, which amounts to around two million, combined with the destruction of refugee camps, schools, mosques, churches, and even hospitals, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
In light of the ongoing catastrophe, the UAE reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the policy of collective punishment. The UAE demanded safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid to ensure the basic needs of the affected population are met. Al Serkal emphasised the insufficiency of current aid shipments, underscoring the urgency for a sustainable solution to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
The UAE also insisted on the necessity of protecting civilians, especially children, in accordance with international humanitarian law that must be adhered to. Voicing its deep concern over the continued demolition of Palestinian properties and the confiscation of their lands, the UAE issued a warning against any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their land.
Emphasising the importance of adhering to international law and relevant UN resolutions, the UAE called on Israel to cease its attacks on Palestinian towns and villages. It stressed the necessity of halting the construction and expansion of settlements that violate Security Council Resolutions.
The UAE further underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating violence perpetrated by settlers. Highlighting the significance of preserving the legal and historical status of Jerusalem and its sanctuaries, the UAE emphasised the importance of respecting the role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in safeguarding the holy sites.
Additionally, the UAE underscored the critical need to provide comprehensive protection for Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has been the target of continuous incursions by extremists and members of the Israeli government.
Recognising the threat posed by the current levels of violence and the ongoing conflict, the UAE emphasised the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to establish a political horizon that supports the resumption of credible negotiation processes which lead to a two-state solution.
The UAE reasserted its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, emphasising the need for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and agreed international references.
In conclusion, the UAE emphasised the urgency of breaking the cycle of violence and highlighted the detrimental impact of hate speech and racism on the escalation and perpetuation of conflicts. The UAE emphasised that the only viable solution lies in reaching a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement, fostering dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence as the path to stability in the region.
