UAE calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire, two-state solution at UN

In an address before the UN Security Council, the UAE strongly condemned the ongoing war in Gaza, describing it as "unprecedented in both scale and intensity" and marked by violence and grave violations of international law.

The statement, delivered by the UAE’s Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Fatema Yousuf, aligned with the positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The UAE denounced the continued Israeli blockade of Gaza, accusing Israel of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by obstructing aid and targeting those attempting to deliver it.

Highlighting its own humanitarian efforts under Operation Gallant Knight, the UAE outlined initiatives including food assistance, water desalination projects and the evacuation of wounded civilians for treatment in UAE hospitals.

The UAE also expressed deep concern over what it described as a “dangerous escalation” in the West Bank, citing settler violence, arbitrary arrests, and the expansion of illegal settlements.

Speaking through a translator, Yousuf reiterated the UAE’s position on Israeli actions at religious sites.

The address concluded with four key demands.

First, it called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, along with the release of all hostages, detainees and prisoners, while reaffirming support for mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

Second, it demanded an end to the blockade on Gaza and expressed full support for United Nations agencies - particularly UNRWA - in their humanitarian missions.

Third, it urged a halt to any actions aimed at displacing Palestinians or altering the demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Finally, the address stressed the need to revive the political process based on a two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The UAE welcomed the announcement of a resumed international peace conference, to be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, expressing hope that it would lead to tangible steps toward peace.

At the UN Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, the UAE 🇦🇪 strongly condemned the ongoing violence and grave violations against civilians in Gaza, as well as the unjust blockade imposed by Israel, which has deepened… pic.twitter.com/rQhDDlbszl

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) July 24, 2025