UAE reiterates need for ceasefire, unhindered delivery of aid to Gaza

The UAE has called for an immediate ceasefire and to allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In a statement at the United Nations Security Council, Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation stressed the need to reject the Israeli policy of collective punishment and attempts to displace the Palestinian people.

The UAE reiterated that the attacks launched by Hamas on October 7 were barbaric and heinous and demanded that Hamas release hostages immediately to stop the bloodshed and to spare civilians further suffering. 

Speaking via a translator, Al Hashemi emphasised that Hamas' crimes against civilians "can never justify the Israeli policy of collective punishment towards the Gaza Strip". 

She said the region is facing its "most difficult crisis in modern history" and that every diplomatic effort must be made to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

Al Hashemi also thanked Egypt and the UN for their support of delivery of aid through the Rafah crossing. It allowed access to several shipments of aid to the Gaza Strip over the last four days. 

However, the number of trucks entering represents just 4 per cent of the volume of commodities that used to enter before the crisis. 

During today's UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, #UAExUNSC demanded:

➡️ An immediate and sustainable ceasefire because every delay in ending this war means more casualties and destruction
➡️ The delivery of… pic.twitter.com/eQdjQARGrW

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) October 24, 2023