Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, reiterated the UAE’s stance that regional stability and peace can only be achieved through a sustainable and just resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. She emphasised the importance of a political pathway leading to a two-state solution, which would establish an independent Palestinian state coexisting in security and peace alongside Israel, in accordance with bilateral agreements and international law, stressing that all solutions should focus on enhancing the humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Al Hashimy added that as part of the UAE’s historic commitment to the Palestinians, the country continues to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and supplies to the Gaza Strip, following the directives of its leadership. The UAE is steadfastly committed to extending a helping hand to the Palestinians and implementing humanitarian relief initiatives whether via land, sea, or air routes.
She also highlighted that during the past ten months, the UAE has dispatched 39,756 tonnes of urgent supplies to the Gaza Strip through 8 ships, 1,271 trucks, and 337 flights. Furthermore, Al Hashimy stated that the UAE will continue to extensively work - through its leading and pioneering role - with the UN and international partners to support all endeavours aiming at assisting the Palestinians affected by the war.
Al Hashimy stated that a return to the status quo prior to October 7, 2023, is insufficient for achieving sustainable peace for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader international community. The UAE emphasised that the initial step towards peace and security in the Palestinian territory and the region is implementing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, alongside the release of all hostages and detainees.
Consolidating peace and security, and ending the humanitarian suffering should begin with the deployment of a temporary international mission in Gaza with a formal invitation from the Palestinian government, Al Hashimy added. A credible, and independent new Prime Minister must lead this government, ensuring that all operations are transparent operations and in alignment with the highest global standards.
Additionally, the government must commit to necessary reforms to address the challenges faced by Palestinians, fulfil their legitimate aspirations for independence and statehood, achieve growth and security, and also be able to take on the responsibility for rebuilding Gaza. This international mission should be responsible for providing swift response to the humanitarian crisis the citizens in Gaza are facing, establishing law and order, laying the groundwork for governance, and paving the way to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian Authority.
In this regard, Al Hashimy stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, must do its part to achieve the vision of the international community according to international law and human rights principles. Gaza cannot recover if it continues to live under a blockade, or if the legitimate Palestinian Authority is not allowed to take on its responsibilities and stop withholding its financing, the Minister added, highlighting the need to halt constructing settlements and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Al Hashimy emphasised the UAE’s belief in the importance of intensifying efforts by regional and international partners and coordinating collective action to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Israelis, Palestinians, and all nations in the region. She also affirmed the significance of the role the United States would play in these endeavours, including rebuilding Gaza and promoting peace in collaboration with regional countries. Critical elements for the success of this international mission would include a strong American commitment to achieving the two-state solution and supporting Palestinian reforms.
Al Hashimy also affirmed that the UAE will continue its extensive humanitarian support for the brotherly Palestinian people in partnership with the regional and international community, as establishing peace would benefit the entire Middle East and the global community.
