The UAE ambassador the UN, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, speaks at a security council meeting / The Guardian
The UAE expressed profound disappointment following the rejection of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States casting a veto. The resolution, backed by Arab nations and drafted by Algeria, received support from 13 out of 15 members, with an abstention from Britain and a veto from the United States.
The proposed resolution urged for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing its imperative adherence by all involved parties. It also demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas and condemned the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians.
In response to the vote outcome, the UAE Mission to the UN underscored its dismay at X, stressing the pressing need to halt the prolonged conflict. "After more than four months of carnage and no end in sight, this war must end," the mission stated on the online platform.
The rejection echoed earlier dismissals by the US, citing concerns about jeopardizing negotiations and labelling the timing of the vote as impractical and irresponsible. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, articulated these reservations before the vote.
Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, lamented the decision's repercussions, branding it regrettable and accentuating the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He posted on X, “Vetoing the draft resolution submitted by our sister Algeria in the Security Council, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, is regrettable and deepens the humanitarian catastrophe."
The death toll in Gaza has climbed to 29,195, with 69,170 individuals wounded, according to recent data from the Gaza Health Ministry. The persisting violence underscores the urgent necessity for international action to mitigate the further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian plight in the region.