UAE Steps Up Support For Battered Gaza As Israel-Hamas War Enters Day 26
The UAE mission to the UN has reiterated the need for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, while condemning the targeting of hospitals by Israel’s bombardment.
There have been more than 76 attacks on Gaza’s healthcare facilities, with 20 hospitals and clinics being damaged or destroyed, a UN Security Council meeting heard on Monday.
Lana Nusseibeh, ambassador and permanent representative of the UAE to the UN, also criticised Israel’s policy of issuing “cruel” evacuation orders before striking civilian infrastructure.
Evacuation Orders “Do Not Alter Their Protected Status”
“More than 650,000 people are sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Let me be absolutely clear on this point: these sites are protected by international humanitarian law.”
Nusseibeh raised concerns over the shutdown of telecommunications services in the besieged enclave, saying it meant “wounded civilians were searching for help in the dark”.
She called for efforts to be undertaken to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, with access to electricity, clean water and fuel restored. It comes as the violence enters day 26.
Hamas Attacks A “Serious And Grave Escalation”
Israel has waged war in Gaza since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 230 hostages.
Earlier, the UAE had described the attacks as a “serious and grave escalation”, with its Foreign Ministry stressing “civilians on both sides must always have protection.”
In retaliatory attacks against Gaza since the war began, more than 8,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.
Tarahum For Gaza (Compassion For Gaza)
A number of fundraising and donation initiatives have launched in the Emirates, including the Tarahum for Gaza relief campaign, where Emiratis can donate in different ways.
It is organised by Emirates Red Crescent, the World Food Programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Community Development.
A number of local brands, restaurants and retailers are partaking in the fundraising drive, aimed at aiding the Palestinians who have been displaced amidst the war.
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Attack On Gaza Refugee Camp In Focus
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” a deadly attack on the Jabalia refugee camp, stressing the “indiscriminate attacks will result in irreparable ramifications”.
The ministry on Wednesday urged for a truce, emphasising this should be done in accordance with international humanitarian law, international treaties and to safeguard the lives of civilians.
“The UAE reiterates that the continued lack of a political horizon risks catastrophic repercussions, and disregarding the potential consequences would lead to devastating outcomes for the prospects of peace and stability in the region.”
