ABU DHABI/BAGHDAD/JERUSALEM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq on Thursday welcomed recent announcements by several countries regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine, describing the move as "significant" and "historic steps" toward achieving justice for the Palestinian people.
In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that international recognition of Palestine would enhance prospects for lasting peace and contribute to long-term regional stability.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed that supporting the Palestinian cause is a moral and humanitarian responsibility of the international community, calling for further similar actions to advance the peace process.
According to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the increased international recognition of Palestine represents support for the process aimed at achieving justice for the Palestinian people and paving the way for the establishment of the independent State of Palestine.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that 43 aid packages were airdropped on Thursday across the Gaza Strip in coordination with Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The IDF stated that the packages contained food supplies for residents in both northern and southern Gaza, as part of broader efforts to enhance humanitarian aid in the Strip.
It stated it will keep working with the international community to improve humanitarian efforts in the Strip, while denying allegations of deliberately causing starvation. Enditem