UAE’s notable role in global peace through mediation in Gaza crisis to find a lasting solution

The UAE has regularly reiterated the need to adopt a comprehensive strategic approach in order to ensure a resolution to the brutal Israel-Hamas conflict. This approach should address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and end the suffering of Palestinians.

In a statement released on June 12 at the conclusion of the “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” conference in Jordan, the UAE stressed that Palestinians deserve a competent and transparent government of independent experts.

The conference convened amidst an Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has been ravaging the besieged Gaza Strip for eight months, killing some 1,200 Israelis and more than 37,200 Palestinians, besides injuring tens of thousands of others.

UAE calling for cessation of military activities in Gaza

The ongoing fighting has also led to the displacement of over 78% of the population of Gaza, the collapse of the healthcare system, intensified the spread of diseases and exacerbated the risk of famine in the closely packed fragile territory.

The UAE has been reiterating its calls on Israel for an immediate cessation of all military activities, adherence to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) rulings, full compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, and the unimpeded delivery of aid to Gaza.

Since the beginning of the crisis on October 7, the UAE has remained committed to several priorities, such as the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilian lives, ensuring safe delivery of aid, and unifying diplomatic efforts.

UAE remains committed to several priorities in Gaza

Directed by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of UAE, the Gulf state has been ensuring the delivery of urgent relief and food aid to the people of Gaza since the beginning of the conflict. The country has also launched several humanitarian initiatives.

The UAE has launched the ‘Gallant Knight 3’ operation and has already delivered 33,000 tons of urgent supplies and relief aid to Gaza under it, including food, shelter materials and medical aid, utilising 319 planes, seven cargo ships and over 1,240 trucks.

The Emirates has also established a field hospital and a floating hospital, providing medical attention to more than 27,000 Palestinians. It also remains committed to providing treatment to 1,000 children and 1,000 cancer patients in its hospitals.

UAE sees largest improvement in global peace ranking

June 11 marked the launch of the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) from international think-tank, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), revealing the need for concerted effort to manage the possibility of a surge in major conflicts.

97 countries are currently involved in conflicts beyond their borders, more than at any time since the inception of the GPI. Iceland remains the most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008, followed by Ireland, Austria, New Zealand and Singapore.

The Mena region remains the least peaceful. Despite this, the UAE recorded the largest improvement in peacefulness in the region – rising 31 places to 53rd. The nation also noted improvements across militarisation, ongoing conflict, and safety and security.