Delivered by Ms. Reem Al Hashimi
New York, 17 October 2025
Mr. President.
At the outset, I would like to align my statement with the statement of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the statements of the Gulf and Arab groups.
Mr. President.
Permanent sovereignty over natural resources is a fundamental right of peoples and an indispensable condition for achieving sustainable development and human dignity. However, the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan, face increasing restrictions that prevent them from exercising this basic right.
The decades-long Israeli occupation has impacted the Palestinian people’s ability to manage their natural resources. Restrictions on freedom of movement and access to agricultural land, water sources, and coastal areas hinder economic development and undermine opportunities for a decent living. In this context, the UAE welcomed the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in July 2024, which affirmed the illegality of the Israeli occupation and the need to end it.
My country expresses deep concern over the tragic worsening of the humanitarian crisis facing the population of the occupied Palestinian territory, due to water scarcity and deteriorating quality, along with increased food insecurity and a deteriorating health situation, particularly among women, girls, and children, who suffer from health complications and are deprived of basic services.
The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip over the past two years has exacerbated this crisis, with the humanitarian situation reaching critical levels due to restrictions on access to healthcare, food, clean water, and fuel, in addition to the extensive damage to agriculture and vital infrastructure.
Mr. President.
Protecting the Palestinian people’s natural resources is not only an urgent humanitarian issue, but a necessity for achieving sustainable development that guarantees a decent and stable life for future generations.
We hope that the agreement on the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza will be a step towards ending humanitarian suffering. My country supports efforts to find a permanent, just, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
In conclusion, Mr. President, lasting peace in the region requires establishing the principles of justice and dignity, including protecting the rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan to sovereignty over their natural resources.
Achieving this solution requires ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty over their natural resources, and the international community has a responsibility to protect this right.
Thank you, Mr. President.