UAE urges ceasefire, humanitarian access in Gaza at EU meetings

The UAE reaffirmed its position on Israel’s war on Gaza during high-level EU foreign ministers' meetings in Brussels this week. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, the release of hostages and adherence to international law. She urged Israel to renew its commitment to a two-state solution and reform the Palestinian Authority.

Discussions included Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the Middle East Peace Process and EU-Arab cooperation for a political solution.

Nusseibeh highlighted the UAE’s aid efforts, noting it is the largest bilateral donor to Gaza, providing over 32,000 tonnes of essential supplies. She reported on medical aid, drinking water and a recent 1,100-tonne shipment via Cyprus.

Nusseibeh acknowledged, however, that such efforts cannot compensate for the lack of access through border crossings, and called for such restrictions to be lifted immediately, and for the screening of aid deliveries to be sped up drastically.

"One recurring message from my engagements here was the desire to further strengthen the coordination between the EU and Arab partners. There is strong commitment on all sides to ensuring peace and security in our shared neighbourhood," said Nusseibeh.

Nusseibeh called for lifting restrictions on humanitarian access and speeding up aid delivery screenings. She emphasized strengthening EU-Arab coordination for regional peace and security. Bilateral meetings included discussions with officials from Germany, the UN and Canada. Nusseibeh was accompanied by UAE Ambassador Mohamed Al Sahlawi and European Affairs Director Abdulrahman Al Neyadi.