Ambassador Mohammed Abu Shehab

UAE Addresses Security Council.. Warning Against Annexation in the West Bank and Supporting the Second Phase in Gaza

The United Arab Emirates, speaking before the UN Security Council, reiterated its firm stance based on consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza, rejecting any measures that undermine the legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, and pushing for a clear political horizon that not only manages the crisis but addresses its root causes.

In a clear and resolute address, Ambassador Mohammed Abu Shehab, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, affirmed the UAE's support for moving to the second phase of the arrangements to end the war in Gaza.

Ambassador Abu Shehab also warned of the dangers of expanding Israeli control in the West Bank, stressing that the only way to guarantee lasting stability is through a political process leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.

Ambassador Mohammed Abu Shehab began his remarks by congratulating the UK on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and welcoming British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who chaired the high-level presidential meeting. He also thanked the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for its briefings.

Support for the Comprehensive Plan and the Peace Council

He noted that the session coincided with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which he described as “a time for reflection, mercy, and compassion,” adding that it also represents “a time of cautious hope for the people of Gaza.”

During his remarks, he expressed the United Arab Emirates’ welcome of the launch of the second phase of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict, commending the leadership role played by US President Donald Trump in this regard, and expressing its support for Security Council Resolution 2283, which provides a clear mandate for the implementation of the plan.

Abu Shahab stressed that the full implementation of the plan is crucial, including the disarmament of Hamas and a complete Israeli withdrawal as stipulated in its text.

He considered the launch of the Peace Council and the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza as opportunities to lay the foundations for a sustainable peace that strengthens the unity of the Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank under the umbrella of the reformed Palestinian Authority, paving the way for the implementation of the two-state solution.

He emphasized that the responsibility for managing and governing Gaza "lies with the Palestinian people," explaining that the UAE's membership in the Peace Council reflects its commitment to the Palestinian people and to achieving a just and comprehensive peace. He expressed his anticipation for the Council's inaugural meeting in Washington and the momentum it is expected to generate.

Warning of Humanitarian Suffering and Annexation in the West Bank

At the same time, Abu Shahab affirmed that the situation on the ground in Gaza remains "fraught with indescribable suffering," noting that delays in crossings and restrictions imposed on humanitarian personnel are hindering the delivery of sufficient aid to those in need, including children.

He called on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA), emphasizing that the UAE, as the largest bilateral donor of humanitarian aid to Gaza, will continue to cooperate with international partners to alleviate the crisis by increasing the delivery and distribution of aid by air, land, and sea.

Regarding the West Bank, he affirmed that the UAE, along with a group of Islamic and Arab states, condemned the Israeli government’s decision to expand Israeli control over the West Bank, stressing that any measure aimed at altering the historical and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories “must be rejected and condemned,” as it threatens the achievement of a two-state solution.

The UAE also expressed its concern about the continued escalation of tensions in the West Bank, including settler violence, considering that these actions undermine the progress achieved in Gaza, and that the responsibility for stopping them and holding those responsible accountable lies with the Israeli government.

A Call for a Comprehensive Political Path

Abu Shahab concluded his remarks by emphasizing that “the promise of the comprehensive reconstruction and renewal plan will only be realized if it is coupled with a clear political path leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, where Palestinians can live side by side with Israelis in peace.”

He stressed that “replacing suffering with hope requires genuine political will and a firm international commitment to the two-state solution.”