As part of its continued efforts to mediate the Israel-Hamas conflict, the United Arab Emirates has sent high-ranking diplomats to the border region between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. These diplomats hail from nations like Russia, China, and the United Kingdom.
In a report by Bloomberg, approximately 12 United Nations ambassadors, including representatives from Brazil, Japan, and Ghana, were flown in on Monday, December 11, on a plane organized by the UAE government out of Abu Dhabi. They stopped at the Rafah border, the primary entry point for humanitarian supplies into Palestinian territory, which connects Egypt and Gaza.
In reaction to Hamas's catastrophic assault on October 7, the UAE and an increasing number of other countries are attempting to convince Israel to cease its ground invasion and shelling of Gaza. A week ago, Abu Dhabi requested that the UN Security Council issue a swift declaration of a ceasefire. The United States, Israel's most trusted ally and a major weapons supplier, vetoed the proposal despite widespread support.
Serious Humanitarian Concerns
Zhang Jun, China's top envoy to the UN, speaking to media in Egypt, described the situation on the ground is most catastrophic. "We really should not allow the situation to become worse. We're here with the belief that with our joint efforts, we can stop the war," he added.
The traveling diplomats met with high-ranking UN officials who were engaged in delivering supplies to Gaza. The group has expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in the crowded area, which is home to little more than 2 million Palestinians.
In an interview with Bloomberg, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini said that the agency is "on the verge of collapse" as it pertains to providing relief to Gaza.
Some individuals have gone days without food after stealing food trucks and drinking sewage water, as he said. He reiterated that UNRWA's mission in Gaza remains unchanged and that, if feasible, the organization would expand its activities.
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Amid the Conflict
In their invasion of southern Israel from Gaza, Hamas killed over 1,200 people and kidnapped 240. Meanwhile, according to the health ministry of the enclave, which is managed by Hamas, more than 17,000 Palestinians have been killed in the retaliatory airstrikes and ground invasion.
About 1.9 million people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, according to the UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said humanitarian help cannot be effectively delivered.
As a result of the medical system's near-collapse, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that more people may die from illnesses than bombs.
The UAW has been vocal in its condemnation of the civilian casualties caused by Israel's shelling, but it has not followed the lead of countries like Turkey in removing its ambassador or cutting diplomatic relations.
