UAE, GCC welcome UN’S historic vote on Palestine
MOFA reiterates its consistent call to intensify regional, global efforts to achieve peace and two-state solution; Sheikh Abdullah denounces suggestions on UAE’S participation in Gaza’s civil administration.
The UAE welcomed the vote by the United Nations General Assembly with an overwhelming majority of votes in favour of supporting granting the State of Palestine full membership and requesting the Security Council reconsider the State of Palestine’s application for membership.
The Resolution constitutes a historic step towards the path towards peace and achieving the two-state solution.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) underscored that the UAE - which presented the resolution determining that the State of Palestine is qualified for full membership in the UN during an Emergency Special Session of the UNGA, in its capacity as chair of the Arab Group for the month of May - is steadfast in its commitment to reinforcing peace and justice, safeguarding the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, and establishing an independent sovereign Palestinian State, in accordance with UN resolutions and the relevant agreements which aim to end the Palestinian-israeli conflict.
The Ministry reiterated the UAE’S consistent call on the international community to intensify all regional and international efforts to achieve peace and the two-state solution.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretarygeneral Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution supporting Palestine’s right to full membership at the world body and recommendation that the UN Security Council reconsider the Palestinian bid.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, denounced statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that the UAE could participate in the civil administration of the Gaza Strip, under Israeli occupation.
In a statement, Sheikh Abdullah underscored that the Israeli prime minister lacks legitimate authority to implement this step, or take any similar measures. Furthermore, the UAE refuses to be involved in any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip.
In this regard, Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed that when a Palestinian government is formed which meets the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people, and is distinguished by integrity, competence and independence, the UAE will be fully prepared to provide all forms of support to that government.
‘’Operation Chivalrous Knight 3’’ has delivered an X-ray machine and a fully-equipped ambulance to the Al Marwani Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support, which includes the provision of medical equipment, supplies, and medicines.
The Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza has received more than 105 injured and wounded patients in the past few days, during which it has performed more than 50 delicate surgical operations.
Israeli strikes on Saturday hit parts of Gaza including Rafah where Israel expanded an evacuation order and the UN warned of an “epic” disaster if an outright invasion of the crowded city goes ahead.
The evacuation order on saturday told residents to go to the “humanitarian zone” of Al Mawasi, on the coast northwest of Rafah.
At least 21 people were killed during strikes in central Gaza and taken to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al Balah city, a hospital statement said.
Hamas on Saturday accused Israel of “expanding the incursion into Rafah to include new areas in the centre and the west of the city.”
Hamas in a statement said Israel’s “continued control” and closure of the Rafah crossing exacerbate the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the besieged territory.
A US State Department report on Friday said it was “reasonable to assess” that Israel violated norms on international law in its use of weapons from the United States but it did not find enough evidence to block shipments.
UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Friday that Gaza risked an “epic humanitarian disaster” if Israel launched a full-scale ground operation in Rafah.