OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
TT

OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Ibrahim Taha, expressed dismay on Saturday after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a crucial ceasefire resolution on the Gaza Strip.

“He sees this failure as a detrimental reflection on the Council's vital role in upholding global peace, safeguarding civilians, and halting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis caused by relentless Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Taha cautioned that the Security Council's inaction allows the Israeli occupation to persist in and intensify its assaults on the Palestinian population,” SPA said.

He praised the nations that supported the draft resolution and stressed the necessity of ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, and provide international protection for Palestinians.



Foreign Ministers of UAE, Israel Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
TT

Foreign Ministers of UAE, Israel Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Gideon Saar, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi where the talks focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, WAM news agency said on Tuesday.
Discussions also addressed the latest developments in the region, particularly the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and the regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the urgent importance of advancing a serious political horizon to resume negotiations for achieving a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, adding that this would contribute to establishing stability, achieving sustainable security in the region, and ending the escalating violence.
He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire and prevent the expansion of conflict in the region, noting that the priority is to end tension and violence, protect civilian lives, and make every effort to facilitate the flow of urgent humanitarian aid, added WAM.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented tension and instability, requiring enhanced collective international efforts to end extremism, tension, and escalating violence while adopting a path of peace, prosperity, and development for the benefit of its people.
He reiterated the UAE's support for the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to broker a prisoner exchange agreement that could lead to a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the safe and sustainable delivery of adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
He underlined that building peace in the region is the key to establishing lasting stability, sustainable security, and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for comprehensive development and a dignified life.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, highlighting the nation's longstanding solidarity with Palestinians over the decades.