UAE says permanent ceasefire in Gaza is 'utmost priority'

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, among senior officials at emergency summit in Jordan

Children wait for food at a camp for displaced people at Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. AFP

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

The UAE has called for a strategic and comprehensive approach to ensure a resolution to the Israel-Gaza war, following an emergency summit in Jordan.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, was among senior officials at the gathering at the Dead Sea, along with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, King Abdullah II of Jordan, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths.

“The utmost priority at this stage remains securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” said UAE state news agency Wam in a statement released after the gathering.

“Dealing with the humanitarian crisis and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people necessitates adopting a comprehensive strategic approach to ensure a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Today, more than ever, the Palestinian people deserve a competent and transparent government of independent experts, operating with integrity and in accordance with international standards, to earn the trust of the international community and their co-operation.”

The statement said that reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza must be an utmost priority.

“Since the onset of this crisis, the UAE has remained committed to several unwavering priorities: Firstly, the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and ensuring the protection of civilian lives in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law,” said the statement.

“Secondly, ensuring the safe, urgent and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza without any obstacles or restrictions.

“Thirdly, the outright rejection of all attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their land.

“Fourthly, enhancing and unifying diplomatic efforts towards achieving an end to the war and reaching a clear and binding road map for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, existing in peace, prosperity and security alongside the State of Israel.”

The statement highlighted how the UAE had embarked on several humanitarian initiatives in Gaza, including Gallant Knight 3 operation.

UAE aid – in numbers

The UAE has delivered 33,000 tonnes of urgent supplies and relief aid to Gaza, including food, medical aid, and shelter materials, using 319 planes, seven cargo ships, and more than 1,240 lorries, said Wam.

The UAE has also established a field hospital in southern Gaza, along with a floating hospital at the Egyptian port of al-Arish, which have collectively provided medical care to over 27,000 injured and wounded Palestinians.

“The UAE also remains committed to providing medical treatment to 1,000 children and 1,000 cancer patients in its hospitals, covering all associated expenses for both patients and their accompanying caregivers,” said the statement.

“In its pursuit of ensuring water and food security, the UAE has established six water desalination plants, with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day, to support 600,000 Palestinians in Gaza.

“Furthermore, five automatic bakeries have been established to meet the daily needs of more than 72,000 people.”