UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Gaza Accord, Urges All Parties to Uphold Terms
The UAE has called for all parties to stick to the Gaza ceasefire agreement and push for a complete political process that leads to a two-state solution. Speaking at the UN's First Committee on Disarmament and International Security, the Emirates said recent developments offer hope for peace in a region torn by conflict.
Fatima Yousuf, the UAE's acting deputy permanent representative to the UN, delivered the statement during general discussions on disarmament. She pointed out that the world is seeing more armed conflicts than ever before, especially in the Middle East. But the recent ceasefire deal represents a bright spot in an otherwise dark picture.
The UAE welcomed the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire framework and praised the diplomatic efforts that made it happen. The country hopes this agreement will ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and create a path toward a fair and lasting settlement that brings peace and stability to the region.
Here's where it gets interesting for regional security: The UAE emphasized that international disarmament treaties and mechanisms play a key role in supporting regional and global peace. With nuclear weapons still scattered around the world and some countries working to develop them, these agreements become even more critical.
The statement highlighted the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament efforts. The UAE also pushed for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, urging Annex II countries to sign and ratify it quickly so it can take effect. The International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards system, they noted, serves as a main tool for ensuring compliance and building trust between nations.
On Iran's nuclear program, the UAE stressed the need to continue negotiations to address security concerns through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military escalation. They called on Iran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure its nuclear program stays peaceful.
The statement also condemned North Korea's continued development of nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile programs, calling it a threat to regional and international security that violates UN Security Council resolutions.
The UAE sees creating nuclear-weapon-free zones worldwide as urgent for boosting international security and reducing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The country plans to participate actively in the sixth conference on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, scheduled for November under Morocco's leadership.
But nuclear threats aren't the only concern. The UAE highlighted cyber threats that target critical infrastructure across borders. They said multilateral cooperation is essential for creating effective regulatory frameworks that strengthen cybersecurity and fight electronic attacks.
Space security also got attention. As space programs keep advancing, the UAE called for more dialogue between countries with advanced space capabilities. The goal is to keep outer space sustainable, prevent an arms race there, and maintain shared responsibility for keeping space weapon-free.
The statement emphasized that women play a central role in multilateral work and called for continued efforts to ensure women's full participation in disarmament decision-making. Young people also need to be involved in shaping disarmament and international security solutions to build a safer future for everyone.
The UAE wrapped up by noting that the UN's 80th anniversary represents an important opportunity to strengthen the organization's ability to support multilateral efforts, especially in disarmament and non-proliferation, to build comprehensive solutions that boost international peace and security.
Layla Al Mansoori