Sheikh Abdullah presses for Gaza ceasefire during talks with Israeli counterpart

Wam

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the priority of working towards a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages during talks with Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar.

The two sides discussed "regional and international efforts to resume a truce agreement, achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages" in Abu Dhabi, the national news agency Wam reported. 

Sheikh Abdullah, who also holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister, pressed for the need to ensure the "safe, sustainable and unhindered flow of urgent aid into Gaza" highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In early March, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into the region over disagreements with Hamas for a ceasefire extension.

During the talks, Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinians and noted it would spare no effort in extending assistance to meet their humanitarian needs. 

Sheikh Abdullah also highlighted the importance of avoiding further escalation of the conflict in the region and reiterated the urgent need to resume "negotiations to achieve comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution".

He also called for the international community to join efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinians for security, stability and a dignified life.

The ministers also discussed the growing bilateral relations between the two countries. Israel's Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, and UAE Ambassador to the State of Israel, Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja also attended the meeting.

This is the second meeting between the two ministers, with the first being held early January this year. 

More from Local News

News

  • UAE leaders offer condolences to Brazil over tornado victims

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Sunday, sent a message of condolences to Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, over the victims of the tornado that hit the state of Paraná, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

  • UAE takes part in G20 Health Ministers meeting in South Africa

    The UAE participated in the G20 Health Ministers Meeting and the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers Meeting, held in Polokwane, South Africa, on November 6-7, which brought together ministers and senior officials, along with representatives of several international organisations.

  • WHO delegation receives medical supplies at Emirati field hospital in Rafah

    The Emirati field hospital in Rafah welcomed a delegation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of a visit to review the UAE’s humanitarian and medical initiatives under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, aimed at enhancing cooperation to bolster the healthcare sector in Gaza.