UAE urges EU to prioritize Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid

In a recent meeting of Arab leaders with the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the desire for closer ties between the EU and Arab partners. The two-day meeting, attended by foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

During the discussions, Ms. Nusseibeh emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, unconditional release of hostages, respect for international law, and a renewed commitment to the two-state solution by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. She also highlighted the UAE’s significant humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, including the delivery of over 32,000 tonnes of essential supplies to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

One of the key initiatives showcased during the meeting was the UAE’s joint effort with Egypt to drop aid packages into Gaza. Palestinians were seen rushing to intercept the humanitarian aid as it landed in the northern Gaza Strip, demonstrating the urgent need for assistance in the region.

Ms. Nusseibeh provided updates on the UAE’s ongoing efforts to provide medical treatment and access to drinking water for the people of Gaza. She mentioned a recent aid shipment through a maritime corridor from Cyprus, delivering 1,100 tonnes of aid to the enclave. Despite these efforts, she stressed the importance of lifting restrictions on border crossings and expediting the screening of aid deliveries to ensure timely assistance reaches those in need.

In addition to her participation in the council session, Ms. Nusseibeh held several bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, Tor Wennesland, UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and Robert Oliphant, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These meetings aimed to further strengthen cooperation and coordination on efforts to achieve peace and security in the region.

The discussions in Brussels underscored the shared commitment of all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza and to ensure the well-being of the civilian population. Ms. Nusseibeh’s active engagement and advocacy for humanitarian assistance reflect the UAE’s dedication to supporting those affected by the crisis.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on finding sustainable solutions to the conflict and providing essential aid to those in need. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the Israel-Gaza crisis.