UAE calls for ceasefire, humanitarian access in Gaza at high-level meetings in Europe

UAE calls for Gaza ceasefire

The UAE reinforced its stance on the Gaza conflict during high-level meetings with European Union (EU) foreign ministers in Brussels this week. Represented by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the EU, the UAE called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, the unconditional release of hostages, and adherence to international law.

The UAE urged Israel to renew its commitment to the two-state solution and advocated for a reformed Palestinian Authority. These discussions, which included participation from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, focused on the Middle East Peace Process and strengthening cooperation between the EU and Arab countries to find a political resolution to the conflict.

Nusseibeh emphasized the UAE’s significant humanitarian efforts in Gaza. As the largest bilateral humanitarian aid donor to Gaza, the UAE has delivered over 32,000 tonnes of food, medical supplies, and other essential items to alleviate civilian suffering since the conflict began. She provided updates on the UAE’s medical aid operations and access to clean drinking water, highlighting a recent aid shipment through a maritime corridor from Cyprus, bringing the total delivered through this channel to 1,100 tonnes.

Despite these efforts, Nusseibeh pointed out that humanitarian aid alone cannot offset the lack of access through border crossings. She called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on humanitarian access and the expedited screening of aid deliveries to ensure timely assistance to those in need.

Reflecting on the meetings, Nusseibeh noted the strong desire to enhance coordination between the EU and Arab partners, emphasizing a shared commitment to peace and security in the region. She underscored the importance of international collaboration to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

During her visit to Brussels, Nusseibeh held several bilateral meetings with key officials, 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. She was accompanied by Mohamed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, the EU, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Abdulrahman Al Neyadi, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The UAE’s participation in these high-level discussions reflects its ongoing commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict through international cooperation and dialogue.