The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Abdullah Bin Zayed, underscored the "importance of intensifying efforts to halt the dangerous escalation on the Palestinian-Israeli front, which is leading the region into an unprecedented state of tension and instability, undermining the prospects for peace." He emphasized the critical importance of protecting civilians from the repercussions of the current crisis during phone calls with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, France, and Turkey, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it called for the protection of civilians and stressed that the immediate priority is to end the violence and safeguard civilians. The ministry highlighted that the attacks launched by Hamas against nearby Israeli towns and villages from the Gaza Strip, including the firing of thousands of rockets at populated areas, constitute a serious and significant escalation.
The ministry expressed strong discontent regarding reports of the abduction of Israeli civilians from their homes as hostages, affirming the necessity for civilians on both sides to enjoy complete protection under international humanitarian law and that they should not be targets of the conflict. The UAE extended its condolences to the families of the victims and called for all diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional confrontation.
It also conveyed deep regret for the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives due to the outbreak of violence and urged both parties to cease escalation and avoid worsening violence and its tragic consequences affecting civilian lives and facilities. The state emphasized the need for the international community to work together to prevent acts of violence that threaten wider instability and their spillover, including the involvement of other groups.
The state affirmed that the international community must remain steadfast in confronting these violent attempts that seek to disrupt ongoing regional efforts aimed at dialogue, cooperation, and coexistence, and should not allow existential destruction to engulf a region that has suffered enough from wars and crises. The ministry highlighted that the UAE continues to work closely with all regional and international partners to restore calm and reduce escalation as quickly as possible in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, and to return to negotiations for a final settlement in accordance with the two-state solution, allowing Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and dignity.
