UAE demands Gaza action at Foreign Affairs Council

Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the European Union has called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza during the latest Foreign Affairs Council session in Brussels.

Held as part of a two-day set of high-level meetings in Brussels, focusing on the conflict in Gaza, the UAE joined Foreign Ministers of the European Union, along with colleagues from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

The discussion focused on the Middle East Peace Process, and how to reinforce cooperation between the EU and Arab countries, with a view to finding a political solution to the conflict.

Nusseibeh repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, the unconditional release of hostages, respect for international law, and renewed commitment by Israel and a reformed Palestinian Authority in a two-state solution.

Nusseibeh said the UAE aid operation was, "the largest bilateral humanitarian aid donor to Gaza. Since the start of the conflict, the UAE has delivered more than 32,000 tonnes of food, medical supplies, and other items essential to alleviating the suffering of the civilian population.”

She also provided an update on UAE efforts to provide medical treatment for victims of the fighting and to provide access to drinking water. She also briefed participants on the latest aid shipment through the maritime corridor from Cyprus, bringing the total of deliveries through that channel to 1,100 tonnes. 

However, she acknowledged that such efforts can not compensate for the lack of access through border crossings, and called for such restrictions to be lifted immediately.