The United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a strong condemnation today against statements by two Israeli ministers calling for the displacement of Palestinians and further expansion of settlements in the Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) called the comments “extremist” and a threat to regional stability.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made the statements on January 4th, drawing immediate criticism from the international community. The UAE’s MoFA responded swiftly, rejecting the remarks and reiterating the country’s commitment to international legitimacy and Palestinian rights.
“Such offensive statements and the practices they support directly contradict resolutions on international legitimacy and pose a serious risk of escalating violence and instability in the region,” the MoFA statement read.
The UAE also urged an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the safe and efficient delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and women. The statement highlighted the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023), which call for a de-escalation of the conflict and respect for Palestinian rights.