UAE reiterates need for multi-day Gaza ceasefires

The UAE Mission to the UN has called for the immediate implementation of the UN Security Council resolution, adopted last week, for a series of multi-day humanitarian pauses in Gaza.

Lana Nusseibeh made the call in a statement to the Council on Wednesday as she welcomed the four-day truce brokered by Qatar.

"We reiterate the need for safe, sustained, and at-scale humanitarian access throughout the entire Gaza strip and encourage all efforts to that end. And this must not be linked to hostage negotiations. We unequivocally reject that premise.

"This, in addition to other diplomatic efforts, will help alleviate the desperate plight of women and children who were the priority of Council deliberations last week."

The deal, which includes the release of some hostages and Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid, was expected to start Thursday, although Israel has stated no pause in fighting or hostage release will occur until at least Friday, November 24.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, said the hope is the agreement can continue, "to allow in the life-saving humanitarian relief for the Palestinians in Gaza and the safe return of the remaining hostages there. Many lives hang in the balance in the coming days, and these numbers and faces have names".

She highlighted the large number of casualties as a result of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Nusseibeh said "the very high number of women, and particularly children...is a strong indicator that international humanitarian law is being violated and its fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality are not being respected....the numbers speak for themselves as do the indiscriminate bombing targets. This must stop immediately.

"There can be no justification for attacks that imperil large groups of civilians, especially women and children. The laws of war, especially for the protection of civilians, are not optional or reciprocal. And they apply to all, including Hamas, and must be abided by."