The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East, specifically focusing on Israel's ground invasion of Gaza. This development comes after the United Arab Emirates formally requested the council's involvement to address the ongoing crisis.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed the emergency session, which will include briefings from the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and the emergency relief coordinator, along with an official from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The Security Council's agenda for Monday already had a meeting scheduled in the afternoon under the title "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." It remains unclear whether this scheduled session is separate from the newly requested emergency meeting or if they will be merged into one comprehensive discussion.
The urgency of the situation has been underscored by the recent developments in the United Nations. Just last Friday, 120 countries voted in favor of a resolution introduced by Jordan, calling for a "sustained humanitarian truce" in Gaza. In contrast, 14 countries, including the United States, voted against the resolution, and 45 countries chose to abstain from voting.
The United Arab Emirates has taken a firm stance on the issue, condemning Israel's ground operations in Gaza and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The UAE's foreign ministry expressed its concerns through its state news agency, WAM, adding further international pressure on all parties involved to halt the conflict and prioritize the safety and well-being of the civilians affected.