The United Arab Emirates’ Position on the Palestinian Cause
The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its policy principles regarding the Palestinian cause during its address at the Arab League Council’s Extraordinary Arab Summit on the Palestinian Cause, held in Cairo on 4th March 2025.
The UAE emphasized that this exceptional summit convenes at a critical juncture in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, requiring responsible approaches, bold stances, and decisive resolutions to address complex challenges that threaten the Palestinian cause and regional stability.
It underscored the need for a different course that prioritises political and peaceful solutions over confrontation and destruction.
Calls for Restraint and Wisdom
The UAE called for the utmost restraint and wisdom to prevent further escalation, particularly in light of developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories since 7th October 2023. This call comes despite the ceasefire agreement reached on 15th January 2025, through the commendable efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
Reiterating its condemnation of ongoing violence and illegal Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, the UAE denounced these acts, including unacceptable remarks by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state on the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
International Law Violations
The UAE firmly rejected Israeli practices that constitute blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter. It called on the international community to take responsibility in halting continuous Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Additionally, the UAE reaffirmed its categorical rejection of all attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands, deeming such actions unacceptable and a violation of international law. It warned that these efforts jeopardize the stability and sovereignty of Egypt and Jordan, fuel tensions among Arab and Muslim communities, and contribute to further regional instability.
A Sustainable Resolution for Gaza
The UAE highlighted that the past months, marked by unprecedented death and destruction in Gaza, demonstrated the failure of temporary solutions. It stressed that returning to pre-7th October 2023 conditions is neither viable nor acceptable. Therefore, it is essential to advance a process that ensures a responsible and sustainable resolution for both Gaza and the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
This process must include a clear political horizon based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in security and peace alongside Israel.
The UAE underscored that efforts to stabilize and rebuild Gaza cannot proceed without a political resolution. It rejected the displacement of Gaza’s residents and insisted that the territory must have a legitimate Palestinian national authority capable of maintaining security, stability, and the rule of law.
Mobilizing Support for a Sustainable Solution
In this context, the UAE stated:
“We see the importance of mobilising Arab, regional, and international efforts behind this path and ensuring active participation to achieve it, including by the United States, to establish a sustainable solution that secures stability and prosperity for the region and fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
The UAE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and leveraging diplomatic efforts to alleviate their suffering, aligning with the country’s longstanding foreign policy principles of peace, justice, and the protection of Palestinian rights.
Humanitarian Assistance
The UAE pledged to continue working closely with regional and international partners to support peace and coexistence by advancing lasting political solutions to conflicts in the region through dialogue and mutual understanding. The UAE added:
“We will spare no effort in continuing to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to the Palestinian people. Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 is ongoing and will persist in delivering life-saving supplies to Gaza via land, sea, and air. This reaffirms the UAE’s core foreign policy approach of fostering stability, promoting prosperity, and prioritising humanitarian affairs at both regional and international levels.”
Concluding its address, the UAE expressed hope that the summit would yield a unified Arab consensus on joint action to overcome current challenges and fulfill the aspirations of the region’s peoples for security, stability, and prosperity.
