The UAE said a temporary international mission was needed in Gaza after the war to establish "law and order" and called for strong US support for the two-state solution and a firm Israeli commitment to peace.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, said in a statement that the international mission should be established at the invitation of a new Palestinian government.
“Consolidating peace and security and ending the humanitarian suffering should begin by the deployment of a temporary international mission in Gaza with a formal invitation from the Palestinian government,” she said in the statement carried by state news agency Wam.
“A credible and independent new prime minister must lead this government, ensuring transparent operations aligned with the highest global standards.
“Additionally, the government must commit to necessary reforms to address the challenges faced by Palestinians, fulfil their legitimate aspirations for independence and statehood, achieve growth and security, and also be able to take on the responsibility for rebuilding Gaza.”
More than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war started last October, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200. Mediators have been trying to secure a ceasefire deal for months.
Some hostages were previously released from the besieged enclave in exchange for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
“The UAE believes that the first step to achieve peace and security in the Palestinian territory and the region is through an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and detainees,” Ms Al Hashimy said.
The UAE has played a key role in ensuring the delivery of aid to Gaza, sending 38,180 tonnes of humanitarian supplies so far. The country is also operating a field hospital in the south of the enclave.
US and Israeli commitments
Ms Al Hashimy explained the international mission would be “responsible for efficiently responding to the humanitarian crisis the citizens in Gaza are facing, establishing law and order, laying the groundwork for governance, and paving the way to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian Authority”.
But for the mission to succeed, “Israel, as the occupying power, must do its part to achieve the vision of the international community according to international law and human rights principles", she said.
“Gaza cannot recover if it continues to live under a blockade, or if the legitimate Palestinian Authority is not allowed to take on its responsibilities and to stop withholding its financing, highlighting the need to halt constructing settlements and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday delivered a speech in the US Congress, vowing to achieve "total victory" in Gaza and accusing pro-Palestine protesters of choosing to "stand with evil". Dozens of legislators boycotted his speech.
Mr Netanyahu also called for the expansion of the Abraham Accords to counter Iran's regional influence, in an hour-long address aimed at shoring up US support for Israel as the conflict in Gaza rages on.
The speech highlighted growing divisions in Congress over Washington's support for Israel, with Republicans giving Mr Netanyahu a rapturous reception, while Democratic politicians were far more muted. Senior Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, stayed away from Congress.
Ms Al Hashimy emphasised the “significant role of the United States within these endeavours, including rebuilding Gaza, and also promoting peace, together with the countries of the region".
“Critical elements for the success of the international mission is an American commitment to achieving the two-state solution, and Palestinian reforms,” she added.
Her call for a temporary international mission comes after Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview that the country “could consider being part of the stabilisation forces alongside Arab and international partners ... at the invitation of a reformed PA, or a PA led by an empowered prime minister”.
“The United States should have the lead on this for it to succeed,” she told the Financial Times in an article published last week.
