Lana Nusseibeh issues call for 'security and freedom' as Palestine backs UN bid

UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh has expressed her determination to ensure Palestinians and Israelis can coexist in a secure, free, and dignified environment as she pursues the position of UN Secretary General. Nusseibeh, who previously represented the UAE at the UN, welcomed Palestine's endorsement of her candidacy, announced on Wednesday.

Guterres' second term as Secretary General concludes by the end of the year, and Nusseibeh is garnering considerable support in the region for her bid to assume the role. The seasoned Emirati diplomat has been a key figure in UAE foreign policy recently and has advocated for peace in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of delivering essential aid to the region.

Nusseibeh conveyed her appreciation for Palestine's faith in her candidacy through a social media post on X. In November 2025, she underscored the significance of ongoing aid to civilians impacted by the Gaza conflict during a visit to Cyprus, highlighting the importance of a maritime corridor from Cyprus to bolster relief initiatives.

Appointed as Minister of State in September 2025, Nusseibeh has also served as Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to that, she held the position of UAE ambassador to the UN for over a decade until April 2024. The UAE has been a leading force in providing financial aid to Gaza, distributing over Dh14.2 billion ($3.89 billion) since August.

This assistance has helped establish a floating hospital in Egypt, two medical centers in Gaza, and facilitated the relocation of numerous medical patients, including those with cancer and war-related injuries, to the UAE for treatment. Although a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 ceased large-scale hostilities in Gaza, it has not extinguished Israeli attacks, and limited advancements have been made towards a lasting peace.

The majority of Gaza's population, exceeding two million individuals, has been displaced by the war, resulting in chronic food shortages and restricted access to healthcare services and aid, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.