'Even wars have rules’, UAE urges respect for law as Gaza, Lebanon crises escalates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a strong appeal for calm, diplomacy and adherence to international law as wars intensify both in the region and globally. During the latest session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, called for unity and restraint, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and the rule of law in resolving contentious issues.

The statement comes as the ongoing war in Gaza shows no signs of a ceasefire and violence has now spread to Lebanon.

"We regret to see the war spread to Lebanon, at a time when we were hoping for an announcement about reaching a deal to end the war on Gaza", Sheikh Shakhboot said during the general debate at the UN.

Sheikh Shakhboot expressed the UAE's deep concerns over the worsening situation, adding that the conflicts were spiralling beyond control.

"It is evident that what we have warned about is now unfolding beyond our control", he said.

He further highlighted the serious humanitarian consequences of the continued violence, stressing the violations committed during these wars, which he said, "deepened human suffering and erased decades of progress".

"Even wars have rules", the minister stated. "Parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law".

Sheikh Shakhboot stressed the importance of restoring the basic principles of humanity amid various global conflicts,

"Whether it's in the bloody wars in Gaza and Lebanon, the deadly conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine or the crises in Yemen, Syria, and Libya, a return to basic principles of humanity has become more urgent than ever", he added.

He called for wisdom in addressing the rapidly evolving threats in the region, urging collective action, "we must act wisely in response to the rapid developments threatening our region".