Geneva: The Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Za’abi has slammed ongoing Israeli colonisation of Palestinian territories in a speech at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council.
He expressed concern over what he called the “catastrophic human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the flagrant violations of international law by occupying forces”.
Al Za’abi urged the Human Rights Council to call on Israel to stop building colonies in Palestinian territories.
In his speech, Al Za’abi reiterated the importance of UNSC Resolution No. 2334 for 2016, whereby Israel’s establishment of colonies on Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, had no legal validity, constitute a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to achieving a two-state solution and a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.
He called on the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop its continued and systematic violations of Palestinian human rights.
Al Za’abi said the UAE remained committed to a just and lasting peace and this could only be achieved if Israel fully withdraws from occupied Palestinian territories in order to pave the way for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
