UAE Presses Palestinian Cause in Rare Diplomatic Talks with Israeli Minister

UAE Highlights Urgency of Gaza Ceasefire in Rare Diplomatic Engagement with Israeli Minister

Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 7: In a significant diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza during a rare face-to-face meeting with Israeli Minister Gideon Saar. The UAE’s ongoing efforts to solve the escalating humanitarian situation in the region are reflected in the Abu Dhabi summit.

Although the US mediated the Abraham Accords in 2020, which legally established diplomatic ties between the UAE and Israel, there hasn’t been any direct interaction between the two nations since the Gaza War broke out in October 2023 as a result of Hamas attacks on Israel.

According to a statement from the UAE Foreign Ministry, the ministers discussed the worsening conditions in Gaza and stressed the importance of halting the violence. Sheikh Abdullah underscored the need to prioritize both a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also called for renewed international focus on achieving a comprehensive peace through the two-state solution, signaling the UAE’s commitment to a long-term resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Israeli authorities did not release details of the talks, Gideon Saar confirmed the meeting on social media platform X, noting it was his second dialogue with Sheikh Abdullah. “A wide range of regional issues and opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations were discussed,” the Sr. said.

The UAE’s readiness to hold the dialogue, despite the tense political situation, underscores its role as a diplomatic nexus in the region, seeking to foster cooperation and seek peaceful solutions in the face of persistent unrest.