Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative
Unofficial Translation
Check against delivery
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Lynn Hastings Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for her comprehensive briefing.
After witnessing a myriad of complex crises and challenges, the region has recently seen several intensive diplomatic efforts focusing on regional security, sustainable development, and effective diplomacy. The momentum generated by these efforts aligns with the UAE’s longstanding policies and aims to restore security and stability throughout the region as well as its overarching goal of promoting economic growth and peaceful societies for the people of the region. These objectives can be achieved through invigorating initiatives that strengthen cooperation and strategic partnerships regionally and internationally.
In addition to these positive trends, we have also seen several developments that we hope will restore confidence between Palestine and Israel, pave the way towards the revival of the Middle East Peace Process, and create an enabling environment to return to the negotiations. One example is the recent high-level communication between the two parties, which we hope will pave the way for new opportunities to engage in dialogue. Furthermore, the UAE commends a series of recent measures that included approvals for the reunification of 5,500 Palestinian families, 6 structural maps for Palestinians in the West Bank, and the reopening of a crossing point into Jenin city in the northern West Bank.
The international community should support recent positive steps and encourage further progress to help both parties return to the negotiating table and reach a two-state solution based on relevant international resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
The tension, escalation, and violent clashes we have seen in the occupied Palestinian territory over the past few months highlight the need for both sides to refrain from taking any provocative measures that may aggravate this situation. We also emphasize the need to stop all illegal practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the construction and expansion of settlements as well as the confiscation of Palestinian lands and property. These measures undermine the two-state solution and efforts to achieve peace.
In light of the deteriorating economic, health, and humanitarian conditions, the UAE continues to uphold its historic commitment to support the Palestinian people in various fields, including humanitarian, health, social and educational fields. To this end, the UAE recently announced a donation of $25 million dollars in support of “Al-Makassed” Hospital, an integral part of the East Jerusalem hospital network that represents the backbone of the Palestinian health system. We urge the international community to continue providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people, and in this regard, we appreciate the US announcement of an assistance package this month to support the economic and health sectors in the occupied Palestinian territory.
It is important for the international community, and particularly the Security Council, to seize the existing opportunities in the region to revive the Middle East Peace Process and to reach a two-state solution with an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the international relevant resolutions, international law, and relevant agreements.
Mr. President,
One of the most important aspects of the recent diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East is that they reflect a genuine regional effort to achieve peace for all peoples and advance prospects for cooperation in crucial areas that will help countries tackle significant challenges. This can be seen, for instance, in the recent Jeddah Security and Development Summit and the I2U2 summit that coincided with the visit of US President Joe Biden to the region. We look forward to building on these efforts to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for our region and the world.
Thank you, Mr. President.