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Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday met Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, in Abu Dhabi. The meeting focused on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as the two men discussed regional and international efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s position that negotiations to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution must resume. He said this would bring stability and achieve sustainable security in the region while ending the escalating violence.
Protecting the lives of civilians and making every effort to enable the flow of urgent humanitarian aid must be a priority, Sheikh Abdullah added, as he noted the need to enhance collective international action to end extremism and escalating violence.
Sheikh Abdullah also stressed the UAE’s support for Qatari, Egyptian and US mediation efforts to reach an exchange deal that leads to a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages, while also securing safe aid delivery into the enclave.
The UAE will spare no effort in supporting Palestinians, Sheikh Abdullah added, as he confirmed the Emirates will continue providing humanitarian aid and backing the right to self-determination, and highlighted the nation's long-standing solidarity with Palestinians over the decades.
Sheikh Abdullah also called for intensified international efforts to combat extremism, hatred and racism, while promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity among nations.
The meeting was also attended by Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Mohamed Al Khaja, the UAE ambassador to Israel.