Istanbul: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), stated that the Palestinian cause currently faces a significant gap between the clarity of its principles and the hesitancy of international will to implement them. He remarked that this gap is central to the conflict, highlighting the difference between global understanding and political acceptance that leads to postponement.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ghobash made these comments during the Group of Parliaments Supporting Palestine meeting. This event was held alongside the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul and the 217th session of the Governing Council, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Trkiye. The theme of the assembly was 'Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations.'
Ghobash began his address by expressing gratitude to the Republic of Trkiye, its government, and its people for their hospitality, and to the Grand National Assembly for organizing the meeting at a critical time in the Middle East, characterized by overlapping crises, tensions, and attacks.
He emphasized that challenges facing the Palestinian cause, such as displacement and land confiscation, cannot be isolated from broader efforts to impose faits accomplis through state sovereignty violations and threats to security and vital waterways.
Ghobash stated that the Palestinian issue transcends a territorial dispute, representing a historic challenge that tests the balance between power and legitimacy. He noted the resilience of the international system and how principle stands against power has been tested since the conflict's inception.
He pointed out that the Palestinian cause does not lack clarity or references for solutions, but suffers from a widening gap between principle clarity and international will hesitancy, which he described as the conflict's essence.
Despite various efforts and cycles of escalation and de-escalation over the decades, Ghobash observed that the issue remains unresolved, with a more complex reality.
He reaffirmed the UAE's position on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing support for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed that a just and lasting peace is the optimal strategic choice for the region.
Ghobash noted that the UAE's position is rooted in its national doctrine and leadership approach, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This approach represents a moral commitment to upholding Palestinian rights, especially in times of crisis. He highlighted the UAE's ongoing support, mentioning that its contributions account for nearly 43% of total international aid to Gaza.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of Palestinian unity and national decision-making, followed by genuine Arab and international support, to achieve a just and comprehensive solution. Ghobash expressed gratitude to Trkiye and its parliament for hosting the meeting and wished success in achieving its objectives.
The FNC delegation at the meeting included Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi and other FNC members.