UAE, 8 Arab countries condemn violations in Gaza

The UAE and eight other Arab countries have issued a joint statement condemning the targeting of civilians and violations of international law in Gaza.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Morocco, following the Cairo Peace Summit.

They said the right to self-defence did not justify breaking the law and neglecting Palestinians' rights.

The Arab ministers also condemned forced displacement and collective punishment of people in Gaza, and called on the UN Security Council to push for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

They underscored the urgency of observing the protocols of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, including the laws of armed conflict and International Humanitarian Law, which also applies to the release of hostages and civilian detainees in a safe and humane way.

The ministers emphasised the need for a two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the pre-June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.