UAE's Lana Nusseibeh Awarded Shield Of Palestine For Gaza Aid Efforts

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the United Arab Emirates' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was honoured with the Shield of Palestine. This prestigious award was bestowed upon her by Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN. The accolade recognises Ambassador Nusseibeh's dedicated efforts during her tenure at the UN, notably throughout the UAE's term on the UN Security Council.

The UAE has been at the forefront of diplomatic endeavors aimed at addressing critical issues in the Middle East. In collaboration with the Palestine Mission, the Arab Group, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, it played a pivotal role in the adoption of UN Security Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720. These resolutions focus on overcoming challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the UAE supported a resolution by the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, which received overwhelming approval from member states in December 2023.

A landmark initiative led by the UAE was organising a visit for Security Council members to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on 11th October 2023. This visit provided invaluable insights into the substantial humanitarian needs in Gaza and highlighted the complexities involved in aid delivery to this area.

Ambassador Nusseibeh reiterated the UAE's unwavering support for Palestine, underlining a strong historical bond between both nations. She specifically mentioned the UAE's solidarity with the Palestinian people during the Israeli war on Gaza. The UAE's commitment extends beyond diplomatic support, as evidenced by its substantial humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Since the onset of hostilities in Gaza, the UAE has contributed over US$45 million towards humanitarian efforts. This includes nearly 40,000 tonnes of aid delivered through various means, with 300 tonnes provided in collaboration with World Central Kitchen. Additionally, the UAE has established two critical healthcare facilities—a field hospital in southern Gaza treating nearly 14,000 cases and a floating hospital at Al-Arish Port—to address urgent medical needs.

The Shield of Palestine awarded to Ambassador Nusseibeh is not only a testament to her personal dedication but also reflects the broader commitment of the UAE to supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. Through strategic diplomacy and generous aid contributions, the UAE continues to play a vital role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the region.

With inputs from WAM