UAE repeats calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire

UAE Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Lana Nusseibeh, has repeated demands for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It comes as the UAE pushes for a resolution on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza at the UN Security Council.

The ambassador outlined the country's stance at a round table on Monday, highlighting how there had been over 76 attacks on health care, including 20 hospitals and clinics damaged or destroyed, with over 650,000 people sheltering in UN facilities.

Nusseibeh also pointed out how the shutdown of internet and telephone services over the weekend impacted rescue services, with injured residents "searching for help in the dark".

She emphasised that health facilities are protected by international law, pointing to the Palestinian Red Crescent's report of Israel's warning to evacuate Al Quds Hospital, which is hosting hundreds of patients and sheltering 12,000 civilians, on Saturday.

"All of Gaza’s civilian population is at risk by the escalating hostilities, as are the Israeli and international hostages taken by Hamas. Wrongly taken by Hamas," she stressed. 

The UAE Ambassador also warned of violence in other areas, including the West Bank, where Israeli settlers are escalating their attacks against Palestinian civilians.

She reiterated that "the heinous October 7th attacks" cannot be "reversed" by "condoning this war in which civilians are paying the price". 

"Ignoring what could happen day after day, will have devastating consequences, not only for Israelis and Palestinians, but for the prospects of peace and stability in our region."

We need a ceasefire in the Gaza war now.

During the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, #UAExUNSC called for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, the restoration of cell and internet service, and the protection of… pic.twitter.com/Tlh1poSm2O

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) October 30, 2023