UAE steps up support for Gaza, allocates $5 million for UN agency helping Palestinians

The UAE has announced the allocation of $5 million to support the humanitarian efforts of Gaza aid agency. The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians so far as the UN raises concerns over Rafah becoming a “pressure cooker of despair“.

In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has announced the allocation of $5 million to the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA).

The announcement comes as major donors to the agency earlier suspended funding over serious Israeli allegations that 12 of its tens of thousands of Palestinian employees were suspected of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israeli cities.

Need for sustainable ceasefire and two-state solution

On Friday, the top diplomat met with Sigrid Kaag, the chief of UNRWA, and reviewed “the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the war, and ways to address its repercussions,” according to the official Emirates News Agency.

Sheikh Abdullah pointed out the need for a sustainable ceasefire and also stressed the importance of finding a serious political horizon to resume negotiations to achieve comprehensive peace based on the ‘two-state solution’.

On Sunday, His Highness affirmed that supporting the Gaza aid agency is essential to consolidating security and stability in the region, in a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA.

UAE praises UNRWA’s swift action to probe allegations

During the discussions, Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s unwavering support for the agency, highlighting that in light of the current challenges, sustaining its humanitarian efforts has become an urgent priority, according to the Emirates News Agency.

Furthermore, the diplomat also expressed his appreciation for the UN and UNRWA’s immediate action to probe the allegations made against the 12 individuals, stressing that the step reflects the agency’s commitment to UN values and its noble humanitarian goals.

The Foreign Minister also called on donor countries that have suspended their funding to reconsider their decision, highlighting that ending extremism, tensions and violence and reaching a lasting truce is the path to ensuring the protection of all civilians.

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