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The United Arab Emirates has called for accelerating the implementation of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza, emphasizing that a genuine opportunity exists to transform the current ceasefire into lasting peace. Speaking at the United Nations quarterly open debate on the Middle East situation in New York, Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined his country’s position on the Gaza peace process and regional stability.
According to the statement delivered by Ambassador Abushahab, the UAE stressed that converting the ceasefire into permanent peace requires a real and shared commitment to fully implementing the comprehensive peace plan. This includes launching a clear and irreversible political process aimed at establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Framework for Gaza Peace Process Implementation
The Emirati envoy noted that after more than two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, the international community now has a framework issued by the Security Council under Resolution 2303. This resolution provides a realistic and integrated path for emergency response and reconstruction, paving the way for a sustainable political settlement, according to the UAE statement.
Additionally, the UAE welcomed the launch of the Peace Council and the formation of the National Committee for Gaza Administration. The Emirates confirmed its commitment to continuing full implementation of the comprehensive peace plan, including through its membership in both the Peace Council and the Executive Council for Gaza.
Humanitarian Assistance and Reconstruction Efforts
The UAE statement emphasized the country’s decades-long commitment to the Palestinian people. During the war on Gaza, the Emirates led international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the sector, with these efforts continuing unabated. Most recently, the UAE transported more than 7,300 tons of relief supplies to Gaza via the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid humanitarian vessel, the statement indicated.
However, the Emirates acknowledged that humanitarian aid alone is insufficient to rebuild what has been destroyed. The statement stressed the need for full compliance with pledged commitments and accelerating implementation of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza. This includes Israel’s commitment to agreed-upon withdrawal, disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, restoration of essential services, and enabling reconstruction efforts.
Border Access and Humanitarian Corridors
The UAE statement emphasized the necessity of fully reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions once all hostages are recovered. This would enable the resumption of individual movement and the flow of humanitarian assistance and commercial goods, according to the Emirati position.
Meanwhile, the statement underscored the importance of facilitating unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance to all those in desperate need. This is particularly critical given the enormous humanitarian needs, with approximately 800,000 people living in flood-prone areas while severe cold continues to claim lives, the report indicates.
West Bank Concerns and Settlement Expansion
The UAE renewed its support for United Nations humanitarian efforts in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the UNRWA agency. In contrast, the statement expressed deep regret over the continued deterioration of conditions in the occupied West Bank.
According to the UAE, the recent Israeli cabinet approval to establish and legalize 19 settlements in the West Bank constitutes a dangerous escalation and violation of international law. The statement warned this action would fragment Palestinian land and undermine peace prospects. The Emirates called for ending these illegal practices and holding perpetrators accountable as settler violence continues relentlessly.
The statement also stressed the importance of ensuring safe access for worshippers to Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. The UAE emphasized respecting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s role in custodianship of these sites.
The success of transforming the ceasefire into permanent peace will depend on genuine international commitment and full implementation of the comprehensive peace plan, though authorities have not confirmed specific timelines for the second phase implementation. The UAE has pledged continued support for all efforts toward achieving a two-state solution.
