The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates emphasized the urgent necessity for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict during an unprecedented visit by his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar. This meeting, which took place in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant moment as relations between the UAE and Israel have been limited since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, following a series of attacks by Hamas on Israeli territory.
In a statement released by the UAE foreign ministry, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as the deputy prime minister, engaged in discussions with Saar regarding what they termed “the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.” The talks prominently featured the push for a ceasefire as both parties recognized the pressing need to alleviate the humanitarian conditions in the area.
Sheikh Abdullah underscored the critical importance of not only achieving a ceasefire but also facilitating the release of hostages currently held in the conflict. Furthermore, he reiterated the necessity of establishing a credible political path forward, which would involve reviving negotiations aimed at realizing a comprehensive peace settlement rooted in the two-state solution framework.
Although details of the discussions from the Israeli side were not immediately available, Saar mentioned on the social media platform X that this marked his second meeting with Sheikh Abdullah. He highlighted that their conversations spanned a variety of regional issues and aimed at advancing bilateral relations between Israel and the UAE. Saar acknowledged the significant challenges facing the Middle East but expressed optimism about finding partners committed to a better future through collaboration and stability.
The backdrop of this dialogue is characterized by intensified military operations in Gaza by Israel, which have escalated since the breakdown of a previous ceasefire last month. The ongoing violence has drawn worldwide attention and raised concerns about the humanitarian implications for civilians in the region. As the situation evolves, the international community continues to call for dialogue and solutions to mitigate the crisis and restore peace.
