Sheikh Abdullah: UAE stands firm on Palestinians' rights

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the UAE's support for the Palestinian people’s rights, in line with international resolutions.

In an article on Al-Ittihad newspaper, Sheikh Abdullah said the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s foreign policy since its founding, rooted in principles of dialogue, peace, justice and coexistence.

He added that the UAE welcomed recent announcements by several countries of their intention to recognise the State of Palestine, describing the move as a “historic shift” that reflects growing global awareness of the cause’s legitimacy. This recognition is expected to be formalised during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings.

“Recognition is not the end of the road, but the beginning,” Sheikh Abdullah said, calling for collective international action to protect Palestinian rights and achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Alongside political efforts, he stated that the UAE has been a leading humanitarian donor to Gaza, providing over 44 per cent of total global aid to the territory since the start of the current crisis. Under Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE has coordinated air, land and sea deliveries and led multinational airdrops with partners including Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Belgium.

In the past week alone, the UAE delivered 4,300 tonnes of food, medical supplies and relief aid, while continuing to operate a field hospital and a floating hospital to support Gaza’s strained health sector.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that these efforts are part of a long-standing commitment inspired by the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He urged all nations yet to recognise the State of Palestine to take this “long-awaited” step, noting that justice and recognition are key to ensuring peace, stability and development in the region.

سمو الشيخ عبدالله بن زايد آل نهيان، نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الخارجية، في مقال نشر اليوم في صحيفة الاتحاد بعنوان: "دعم ثابت وسلام عادل: دعوة من أجل الاعتراف بدولة فلسطين"، يؤكد على أن دولة الإمارات "ستبقى ثابتة في التزامها بدعم تطلعات الشعب الفلسطيني الشقيق"، ويوجه دعوة إلى… pic.twitter.com/JoksoSM5Bp

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) August 3, 2025