UAE — 79th UNGA address — Gaza ceasefire, Iran islands, Palestinian recognition (30 September 2024)

From the podium of this General Assembly, a place that has always embraced our ambitions and agonies, we call upon all of you to join hands and work together to create a better world for our sons and daughters, and for future generations.

Since its inception, the UAE has adopted a transparent foreign policy, based on credibility and building balanced relations with all countries. This includes supporting regional and international efforts aimed at achieving stability and reducing escalations, encouraging dialogue and building bridges, as well as resolving crises instead of merely managing them.

As our world stands at a dangerous crossroads, we must redirect the compass of our international action to focus on a set of fundamental and non-negotiable principles.

Most importantly, we must stand united in the face of contentious issues, support all peoples without applying double standards, ensure the protection of civilians, uphold the rule of law, as well as commit to human rights and respect the principles of good neighborliness.

Returning to these basic principles has become more urgent than ever, particularly with the serious violations committed in conflicts raging in our region and around the world.

It must be recalled here that even wars have rules. Parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law.

In Gaza, an immediate and lasting ceasefire must be reached, rapid, full and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at large-scale must be allowed, and the hostages and detainees must be released.

We must act wisely in response to the rapid developments threatening our region. It is evident that what we have warned about is now unfolding beyond our control. 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.

It is unacceptable to ignore the decisions and advisory opinions issued by the highest judicial body of the United Nations - the International Court of Justice. This includes the provisional measures issued by the Court regarding the war on Gaza.

Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, may God protect him, directed $100 million in urgent relief aid to the brotherly people of Lebanon, to support them in facing the current challenges.

If we want to bring an end to the seven-decades long vicious cycle of the Palestinian issue, then we must take concrete steps towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.

We must also consider the establishment of a temporary international mission in the Gaza Strip - upon an official request from the Palestinian government - to address the humanitarian crisis, re-establish security and law, and reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a reformed Palestinian Authority.

My country believes that the State of Palestine, which just a couple weeks ago took its new seat in this hall like every other nation, has fulfilled the requirements for full membership in this organization. It deserves to be recognized by all states as a fully-fledged state under occupation.

Mr President,

In parallel with our efforts in these files, my country renews its demand to Iran to end its occupation of the three UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. These islands are an integral part of the UAE.

We will continue to urge Iran to respond to our repeated calls to resolve this issue either through direct negotiations, or resort to the International Court of Justice.

In all other issues, the UAE believes that the best way to resolve crises is through diplomacy. We cannot fight fire with fire.