Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALEITHAD)
Shahad Matar, the official spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates’ Permanent Mission to the United Nations, affirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting efforts towards achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
She highlighted that Emirati diplomatic endeavours have been active at various levels, tirelessly working to harmonise differing views. The UAE-organised visit of Security Council members to the Rafah Crossing significantly impacted and deepened their understanding of the critical needs on the ground, Matar added.
In exclusive statements to Aletihad, Shahad Matar revealed that the recent international Security Council resolution on Gaza followed the exceptional visit organised by the UAE for current and incoming Security Council members to the Rafah Crossing on October 11.
She emphasised that this visit was profoundly influential, providing Council members with firsthand insights into the immense challenges in delivering aid to Gaza’s people, the intense pressure on Egypt, and the scale of the needs on the ground.
Matar explained: “The urgent need for an international response by the Security Council became evident to its members. Consequently, the UAE presented this resolution following directives from the Arab-Islamic summit held on November 11. Our focus was to ensure the resolution included practical steps to effect real change and tackle the challenges in delivering humanitarian aid. The resolution’s goal is to expedite the broad distribution of aid to the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.”
Discussing the intricacies of achieving the international resolution and the challenges faced by the UAE in its adoption, Matar remarked: “As an Arab member, we engaged in intensive coordination with Palestine, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the ministerial team appointed by the Arab-Islamic summit. The negotiation process was complex and arduous, spanning a month surrounding the Rafah visit.
“This complexity stemmed from varying perspectives among Council members, notably during extended consultations with the United States. Emirati diplomatic efforts were pivotal in reconciling these views to reach a consensus text addressing the dire situation in Gaza.
“The process demanded considerable time, effort, and necessitated multiple postponements of the voting session. Our primary objective extended beyond adopting the resolution; it was crucial to include the necessary steps for effective implementation. Hence, we also coordinated with on-the-ground workers and particularly with the United Nations.”
Matar stated: “This decision aims to facilitate the extensive entry of aid, crucial for Gaza’s population. It advocates for opening diverse routes for aid entry, as the Rafah Crossing alone is insufficient. The decision enables the United Nations to supervise the entire aid delivery process, thus mitigating Israeli barriers. It also mandates establishing a mechanism under the United Nations and appointing senior coordinators for humanitarian affairs and reconstruction to streamline, expedite, and orchestrate the humanitarian relief efforts to Gaza, ensuring their delivery to those in need.
She added: “The decision encompasses key issues, such as emphasising the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. It demands the cessation of all attacks and hostile actions against civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law. It also reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to the two-state solution, especially the establishment of a Palestinian state, and denounces the forced displacement of Palestinians.”
Regarding the UAE’s efforts at the Security Council since the war’s onset, Matar stated: “The UAE has tirelessly supported efforts to achieve a ceasefire, seeing it as the path to end the suffering of the Palestinian people. Several attempts by Security Council member states to resolve the crisis saw the UAE as a leading advocate.
“Initially, we backed Malta’s resolution for a Security Council decision advocating the protection of children in Gaza, one of the world’s most perilous places for them. Earlier this month, we proposed a ceasefire resolution, regrettably vetoed by the United States, preventing its adoption.”
She highlighted the continuous efforts of the UAE’s permanent mission to the United Nations in supporting Arab initiatives in the General Assembly, which adopted two resolutions, one of which called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.
She said: “Our focus remains on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, and our latest resolution seeks to alleviate the Palestinian people’s suffering. Our calls for a ceasefire will persist beyond our Security Council membership, and we are hopeful for tangible outcomes soon.”
