A Call for Recognition of the State of Palestine
Al-Ittihad, UAE, August 4
Since its founding, the United Arab Emirates has made the defense of just causes a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with the Palestinian cause—one of the most enduring and profound struggles in modern history—at its heart. The UAE has consistently championed the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, chief among them their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, internationally recognized state. I
In an era defined by rapid global change and intensifying humanitarian, political, and security challenges, the call for nations to adopt dialogue, peace, and coexistence as guiding principles has never been more urgent. These values have been embedded in the UAE’s vision from the very beginning, driven by the belief that true and lasting stability can only be achieved through just political solutions that respect human dignity, uphold the principles of justice, and create opportunities for development and cooperation.
In this context, as momentum builds behind international initiatives to recognize the sisterly State of Palestine, it is clear that the world increasingly understands that securing Palestinian rights is not merely a political option but a moral, humanitarian, and legal imperative, enshrined in the founding principles of the United Nations and the values the international community claims to uphold.
The UAE has recently welcomed the decision by several friendly nations to recognize the State of Palestine, regarding these steps as a historic turning point that reflects growing global acknowledgment of the justice of this cause and helps lay the groundwork for reviving a political process stalled for years. Formal recognition is expected to be announced during the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings, a moment that could mark a pivotal chapter in the quest to establish a just peace in the region and resolve one of the longest-running conflicts in modern times.
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Yet recognition, while crucial, is only the beginning of the journey. The real test lies in mobilizing collective and responsible international action to safeguard Palestinian rights, anchor a just and lasting peace built on the two-state solution, and establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions, thereby restoring hope for a future of security, prosperity, and coexistence.
Beyond the political sphere, the humanitarian dimension is urgent, particularly given the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. Here, the UAE has taken a leading role among donor nations, providing over 44% of all international aid to Gaza since the onset of the current crisis through an integrated response by land, sea, and air as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3. The UAE spearheaded the airdropping of aid to the hardest-hit areas, prompting countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium to join its efforts. In just the past week, the UAE has delivered 4,300 tons of food, medical supplies, and relief materials via airdrops, alongside dozens of trucks carrying essential goods. It has also launched major projects to secure access to clean water and improve basic infrastructure, while prioritizing healthcare through the operation of a UAE field hospital and a floating hospital, delivering advanced medical services to bolster local capacity for crisis response.
These initiatives are not temporary measures but the continuation of a deeply rooted commitment from the UAE’s leadership and people—an extension of the approach set forth by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and carried forward today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the state, who views standing with the Palestinian people as a moral and humanitarian duty, guided not by shifting political calculations but by enduring principles and values.
Grounded in the conviction that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving crises, the UAE affirms that peace can only rest on the foundations of justice and mutual respect. International recognition of the State of Palestine is not merely a legal victory for a people under occupation but a critical step toward restoring regional balance and a cornerstone for a future built on understanding and peaceful coexistence, free from the cycles of exclusion and conflict.
History has shown that denying the legitimate rights of peoples breeds only more tension and violence, whereas recognition and justice pave the way for hope, understanding, and reconciliation. From this perspective, we urge all countries that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine to reconsider their stance and take this long-overdue historic step. Such recognition is more than an affirmation of a people’s rights; it is an investment in the security, stability, and development of an entire region.
In closing, the UAE reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Palestinian people and pledges to continue working alongside regional and international partners to end the conflict and expand the prospects for the comprehensive, enduring peace that all peoples of the region deserve. For just as humanity is indivisible, true peace can only be founded on justice, mutual recognition, and the unwavering promotion of tolerance and coexistence.
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
