UAE calls for 'transparent investigation' into Gaza hospital attack

The UAE has called for an "impartial, independent and transparent investigation" into the Gaza hospital attack that left more than 500 dead and asserted that "those responsible (must) be held accountable".

During the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE ambassador to the United Nations, stressed that "nothing can justify yesterday’s attack, and we condemn it".

"There’s no ambiguity under international law: in providing care to the wounded and sick, hospitals and medical personnel must at all times be protected, and they must never, never be the target of an attack," she added.

Nusseibeh added that the events in Gaza are a mockery of the principles of international humanitarian law. 

"Gaza has been under siege for 10 days, during which a stranglehold has been placed around the necks of the civilians there.

"The descriptions of the humanitarian situation on the ground...give us a sense of what hell on Earth might look like. The steps that need to now be taken are clear and practical."

She reiterated the call for "an immediate cessation of hostilities", "unconditional release of all hostages" and "safe and unhindered access for all humanitarian aid workers".

"The reconnection of electricity, water, and telecommunications must happen, and the protection of all civilians must be our priority."

Nusseibeh added that some of these steps were discussed during a meeting between UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UN Secretary-General.

During the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, #UAExUNSC emphasized the need for:

➡️ Immediate cessation of hostilities
➡️ Unconditional release of all hostages
➡️ Safe and unhindered access for all humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/7sTgpUfZEU

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) October 19, 2023