The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the Israel-Palestine conflict continues.
Reports reveal that over one million people in Gaza are displaced, and more than 500,000 individuals have sought shelter in United Nations facilities.
Bombings Target UN Facilities and Schools:
According to a UAE envoy, devastating bombings have been witnessed in Gaza, targeting UN schools and buildings where people seek safety. The situation highlights the extreme danger faced by civilians in the region.
Gaza has experienced relentless and indiscriminate bombardment for nearly two weeks following a “heinous attack on Israel” on October 7, 2023.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the severe impact on civilians in the area, with Gaza under siege for an extended period.
Impossible Evacuation Demands:
The UAE envoy pointed out that the evacuation order for over a million people from Gaza is an “impossible demand” that fails to comply with international law.
The situation further exacerbates the suffering of civilians in the conflict zone.
Tragic Hospital Attack:
On October 17, 2023, a tragic attack targeted the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, resulting in the loss of more than 500 lives.
The international community has expressed shock and outrage at this attack, emphasizing the imperative protection of hospitals and medical personnel under international law.
The UAE strongly reiterated the call for an independent and full investigation into the hospital attack.
The envoy stressed that nothing can justify such a strike, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Humanitarian Aid Challenges:
Despite humanitarian aid piling up at Egypt’s border with Gaza, delivering it remains a significant challenge.
The UAE has opened an air bridge to transport life-saving supplies. Still, the safety of aid delivery remains a concern, as parties must provide firm guarantees that aid recipients will not be targeted.
In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the UAE’s government has pledged an additional $70 million in aid for the region. The UAE supports relief efforts in Gaza and the broader Middle East.
A Call for De-escalation:
Lana Nusseibeh concluded her address by emphasizing the need for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities.
She expressed concern that the situation poses a grave threat to Gaza and contributes to a widening regional conflagration.
The UAE’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating conflict and its devastating impact on civilians.
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