In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for the protection of civilians and emphasized that the immediate priority is to halt the violence and safeguard civilian populations.

The Ministry expressed deep concern over the serious and significant escalation of violence, particularly the attacks by Hamas on Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza Strip, including the firing of numerous rockets at populated areas. The Ministry also expressed dismay over reports of Israeli civilians being taken hostage from their homes. It emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law to ensure the full protection of civilians on both sides, emphasizing that they should never become targets of conflict. The UAE conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims and urged diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional confrontation.

Furthermore, the Ministry mourned the loss of lives on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides due to the outbreak of violence. It called upon both parties to de-escalate the situation and avoid the expansion of this destructive violence, which could have tragic consequences for civilian lives and infrastructure.

The UAE emphasized the need for the international community to collaborate in preventing the violence from causing wider instability and spillover, including potential involvement by other groups.

The Ministry reiterated the importance of the international community remaining steadfast in the face of violent attempts to derail ongoing regional efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, cooperation, and coexistence. It underscored the need to prevent further destruction in a region that has already endured the ravages of war and trauma.

The UAE affirmed its commitment to maintaining close communication with all regional and international partners to swiftly de-escalate the situation, restore peace in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), and facilitate a return to negotiations for a final settlement within the framework of the two-state solution. This solution aims to provide both Palestinians and Israelis the opportunity to live in peace and dignity.