JEDDAH – The UAE rejects Israel’s policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, its attempts to displace them, and the destruction of their properties and homes, stated UAE’s Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi.
She led the UAE delegation at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held at the organization’s Secretariat General headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The session, called by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the current president of the OIC, Palestine, Jordan, and Iran, aimed to discuss recent developments and the ongoing situation in Palestinian Territory, including continuous Israeli attacks on Palestinians.
Al Kaabi highlighted the necessity of comprehensive collaborative efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilian lives, provide urgent humanitarian aid, and promote regional and international security and stability.
“Following the outbreak of the crisis between Palestinians and Israelis, the UAE initiated extensive diplomatic efforts at all levels to restore peace, focusing primarily on easing the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians, and preserving infrastructure. The UAE insists on the immediate creation of humanitarian corridors for delivering urgent relief aid,” she said.
She reiterated the UAE’s condemnation of all practices violating international and humanitarian law, urging Israel to stop settler violence and activities. Al Kaabi said, “As we persist in calling for an end to this war, we must establish a clear and transparent route towards peace in the Middle East. This includes starting serious negotiations to achieve a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state, and ensuring a secure and stable life for the Palestinian people alongside Israel, in line with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”
She said, “This is the only way to stop the ongoing violence and guarantee the safety and stability of both Palestinians and Israelis. It also involves addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza sustainably, which requires active international cooperation to eliminate extremism, tension, and violence.”
She emphasized the UAE’s humanitarian and relief efforts, providing various forms of assistance to the Palestinian people. These efforts include launching the ‘Gallant Knight 3’ humanitarian operation and establishing an air bridge for delivering relief and medical aid. Furthermore, the UAE has sent 200 flights, 490 trucks, and two ships to deliver a total of 20,000 tons of urgent relief aid, including food, water, and medical supplies.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, directed the hosting of 1,000 injured children and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, to provide them with all necessary medical and health care in the country’s hospitals,” Al Kaabi added.
“The UAE has inaugurated a comprehensive field hospital in southern Gaza, supervised by an Emirati team, as part of its efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and support the health sector in the Strip. Additionally, the UAE dispatched a hospital ship to support medical efforts, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinians. The country has also constructed six desalination plants to supply drinking water to civilians in the Gaza Strip, operating at a total capacity of 1.2 million gallons daily,” she said.