Skip to main content

UAE affirms support for Gaza aid agency as many donor countries suspend payments

 

UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has called on UNRWA to ensure urgent, intensive, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid to Palestinian people in Gaza. The call comes amid increasing controversy over UNRWA employees’ alleged role in the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed around 1,300 people. The Israeli-Hamas war has been ongoing since October 7, with Israel launching retaliatory strikes and claiming at least 26,000 lives.

The call came amid increasing controversy over some UNRWA employees’ alleged role in the Hamas attack. UN Secretary-General Guterres has expressed his horror at the allegations, noting that nine of the 12 implicated individuals were immediately identified and terminated by Lazzarini. The UAE minister commended the agency’s prompt action to investigate the accusations and called upon donor countries that have suspended their funding to UNRWA to reconsider their decisions and continue providing support.

UNRWA has stated that it is “extremely desperate” and that the humanitarian needs in Gaza are growing rapidly. The US has called for UNRWA to make “fundamental changes” before the country can resume funding. These changes include reviewing the organization, its operations in Gaza, staff management, and holding those responsible for the criminal acts accountable to ensure the agency can continue its essential operations.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UAE and US issue joint statement on cooperation on artificial intelligence

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Joe Biden met on Monday in the US during an official visit by the Emirati leader. This visit marks the fourth bilateral meeting between the two leaders during the Biden-Harris administration. During their discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden reaffirmed the strong UAE-US strategic and defense partnership, explored ways to enhance cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and addressed global and regional issues. Both leaders committed to pursuing further opportunities to strengthen their partnership, promote peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond, and provide global leadership on key shared issues. The UAE-US relationship, spanning five decades, is built on a solid foundation. Building on the vision of Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden to advance safe artificial intelligence, UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and US national security advisor Jake Sullivan reaffirmed their countries' coo

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed’s official trip to India holds great importance for UAE-India bilateral relations

  His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is making his first official visit to India , accompanied by several UAE ministers and a business delegation. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-India bilateral relations. Upon his arrival on September 8, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. His visit includes a comprehensive agenda, with discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may also be part of the dialogue, as reported by NDTV. On the second day, Sheikh Khaled is expected to participate in a business forum in Mumbai, attended by business leaders from both nations, further underscoring the growing trade and investment ties between the UAE and India. The UAE and India have a long-standing relationship, established in 1972, w

The UAE facilitated the largest prisoner exchange in history between Russia and Ukraine

 Ukraine and Russia have announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly five months, with over 200 freed by each side after a complex negotiation involving mediation by the United Arab Emirates. Russia's Defence Ministry reported that 248 military personnel had been handed over by Ukraine, while Kyiv brought home 230 people, including 224 soldiers and six civilians, in the largest documented swap of troops so far. The UAE's foreign ministry acknowledged its role in the swap, stating that it was made possible by its "strong friendly relations" with both Moscow and Kyiv. A video released by Ukrainian authorities showed returning prisoners in their blue and yellow flags filing off a bus, singing the national anthem, and shouting the patriotic greeting "Glory to Ukraine." Most of the prisoners appeared to be in good health, with one returnee shouting "We are home! You didn't forget us!" The Russian Ministry of Defence also released a