Delivered By His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
New York, 23 October 2025
Madam President,
I thank the Russian Federation for presiding over today’s meeting and I am grateful to Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov for his sobering briefing.
Madam President,
For the last two years, we have witnessed untold suffering and destruction in the Gaza Strip. But now diplomacy has finally opened the door for the prospect of peace.
The United Arab Emirates strongly welcomes the outcomes of the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, the implementation of the ceasefire, and the release and return of hostages and detainees, both living and deceased, to their loved ones.
We applaud President Trump’s leadership and commend the steadfast efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye in facilitating the arrangements that led to this historic agreement.
It is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the international community comes together to break the cycle of violence and chart a path toward peace in the region.
The international community must now sustain pressure on Israel and Hamas to fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
The Council’s endorsement of this Peace Plan is critical. We have a collective responsibility to help end this war and to facilitate the achievement of a just and lasting settlement.
Madam President,
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been absolutely catastrophic, but with a ceasefire now in place, we are finally seeing a surge of aid going into the Strip.
A rapid scale up of humanitarian aid is now needed to reach all those in need.
The UAE will continue to mobilize its resources and expertise to deliver aid to the Palestinian people, especially women and children, while supporting our international partners in their vital work.
As part of the UAE’s efforts to scale-up our humanitarian response in Gaza, two Emirati ships carrying urgently needed supplies are scheduled to arrive next week. This includes a ship sent in partnership with World Central Kitchen – one of the key organizations providing a vital lifeline for Gazans.
The entry and distribution of humanitarian aid must not be obstructed, as affirmed by yesterday’s ICJ advisory opinion.
We call upon Israel and Hamas to abide by their obligations under international law.
Mr. President,
The situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating, in the shadow of Gaza.
Israeli extremist settlers continue to terrorize Palestinian communities at unprecedented levels, as the expansion of illegal settlements runs rampant and in blatant violation of international law.
Meanwhile, some Israeli ministers continue to call for the annexation of Palestinian land.
The UAE strongly condemns the Israeli Knesset’s approval, in a preliminary reading, of two bills intended to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and to legalize control over a settlement.
This step constitutes a dangerous escalation and undermines efforts to achieve the two-State solution.
Madam President,
With a ceasefire in place, we now have an opportunity to move beyond decades of just managing this conflict, to finally resolving it.
It is incumbent on us all to translate the momentum generated by the Peace Plan into a political settlement which delivers the peace, stability, and security that both Palestinians and Israelis so desperately need.
Thank you, Madam President.