UAE urges Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid access at EU meeting.
Since October 7, 2023, the conflict in Gaza has escalated dramatically, resulting in significant loss of life. Reports indicate that over 36,000 people, primarily women and children, have been killed due to Israeli military actions. This alarming death toll highlights the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The intense and ongoing violence has led to widespread destruction and suffering among Gaza’s civilian population. International observers and humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the high number of casualties and the impact on vulnerable communities. Efforts to establish a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need have become increasingly urgent. The situation underscores the critical necessity for renewed diplomatic efforts to bring about peace and protect innocent lives in Gaza.
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the UAE’s assistant minister for political affairs and envoy of the foreign minister to the European Union (EU), recently made a compelling call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Her remarks were delivered on Monday, May 27, during a crucial council session held as part of a two-day series of high-level meetings in Brussels, centered on addressing the ongoing war in Gaza.
Nusseibeh’s participation in the meeting underscored the UAE’s commitment to international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. She was joined by foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. This diverse representation highlighted the unified stance of the Arab world in seeking an end to the violence and a sustainable solution to the conflict.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Wednesday, May 29, that the discussions during the council session emphasized the critical need for enhanced EU-Arab cooperation to resolve the political conflict in Gaza. Nusseibeh and other Arab leaders stressed the importance of focusing on the Middle East Peace Process, which aims to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.
During her address, Nusseibeh highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Since the escalation of hostilities on October 7, 2023, over 36,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed due to Israeli military actions. This alarming death toll underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for international intervention. Nusseibeh called on the EU and other international bodies to take immediate action to halt the violence and facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the affected population in Gaza.
The high-level meetings in Brussels provided a platform for Arab and European leaders to discuss and coordinate their efforts in addressing the crisis. The shared objective was to find a viable path towards a ceasefire and to ensure that humanitarian assistance could reach those in need without obstruction. The presence of senior diplomats and officials from both regions reflected the importance of collaborative international efforts in resolving such a complex and protracted conflict.
Nusseibeh’s call for action was part of a broader initiative by the UAE and its allies to advocate for peace and stability in the Middle East. The UAE has consistently supported diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts and has been an active participant in various international forums aimed at promoting peace and security. By engaging with the EU and other international partners, the UAE seeks to leverage its diplomatic influence to bring about a resolution to the Gaza conflict.
The meetings in Brussels also focused on the broader implications of the Gaza conflict for the Middle East Peace Process. Participants discussed strategies to revive peace talks and address the underlying issues that have perpetuated the conflict for decades. There was a consensus on the need to support initiatives that promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.
In addition to calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, Nusseibeh emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict. She highlighted the need for a comprehensive political solution that ensures the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. This includes the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The UAE’s proactive stance in the Brussels meetings reflects its broader foreign policy goals of promoting peace, stability, and development in the region. By advocating for immediate and concrete measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UAE is demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian principles and international cooperation.
The high-level meetings in Brussels concluded with a reaffirmation of the participants’ commitment to working together to resolve the Gaza conflict. There was a strong emphasis on the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between the EU and Arab states. The participants agreed to maintain regular consultations and to support ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
In summary, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh’s participation in the high-level meetings in Brussels and her call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza underscore the UAE’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian and political crisis in the region. The discussions highlighted the importance of EU-Arab cooperation in resolving the conflict and advancing the Middle East Peace Process. Through diplomatic engagement and advocacy, the UAE and its partners aim to bring about a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict, ensuring the protection of civilians.
Nusseibeh calls for ceasefire, humanitarian aid, hostages’ release, two-state solution.