Delivered by: Ms. Fatema Yousuf, Counselor

Mr. Chair,

Last year witnessed significant developments on the Palestinian question, including the adoption of the New York Declaration with an overwhelming majority, the launch of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, and the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza. Taken together, these developments, alongside the growing recognition of the State of Palestine, have helped strengthen international efforts toward achieving a just and lasting peace and reinvigorating the political track for resolving the Palestinian–Israeli conflict.

Yet, in parallel to this momentum, the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has continued to deteriorate. This was evidenced by intensified settlement activity, including the advancement of plans for the E1 corridor, as well as the escalating violence by extremist settlers, forced displacement, and restrictions on access to holy sites. The UAE strongly condemns these illegal measures, which risk eroding the prospects for peace and undermining the viability of the two-State solutiostate

I would also like to highlight the UAE’s rejection of any measures aimed at the annexation of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory. This includes the systematic expansion of settlements, the imposition of Israeli law and jurisdiction, and the construction of infrastructure designed to permanently alter the demographic and geographic character of the West Bank. The UAE’s position on this is unequivocal: annexation in any form — whether de jure or de facto — is a red line.

The situation in East Jerusalem demands particular attention. The UAE reaffirms the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and commends the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for its custodial role over the Islamic and Christian holy sites. We condemn any restrictions on access to places of worship and call for the full respect of freedom of worship for all faiths.

The rising levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians are deeply alarming. Concrete and immediate steps must be taken to prevent such attacks and to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. The demolition of Palestinian homes, forced evictions, and the displacement of Palestinian communities — with more than 2,500 Palestinians displaced in 2026 alone — are unacceptable and must cease.

I would like to conclude by paying tribute to all those who continue to carry the heaviest burden — families whose lives, as portrayed in “No Other Land”, are shaped each day by uncertainty, displacement, and the fear of losing the place they call home.

Thank you.