UAE and Israel Discuss Pathways to Peace Amid Escalating Gaza Crisis

 In a significant diplomatic engagement, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, hosted Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, in Abu Dhabi. The high-level meeting highlighted the UAE's proactive role in addressing regional tensions, fostering peace, and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza amid an escalating crisis.

Strengthening UAE-Israel Relations

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed Minister Gideon Sa'ar, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Israel. The discussions marked another step forward in the partnership that began with the Abraham Accords, showcasing the UAE’s intent to enhance regional cooperation and address shared challenges.

Focus on Gaza’s Humanitarian Emergency

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza was a central focus of the discussions. Sheikh Abdullah expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis, emphasizing the need for a sustainable ceasefire to protect civilian lives and facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.

“The priority is to end tension and violence, protect civilian lives, and make every effort to facilitate the flow of urgent humanitarian assistance,” Sheikh Abdullah stressed.

The UAE has been a key advocate for humanitarian aid, consistently supporting initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of Palestinians. This commitment was reiterated during the meeting, reflecting the UAE’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Advancing the Two-State Solution

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of advancing serious political efforts to resume negotiations based on a two-state solution. He highlighted that achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is essential for stability and security in the region.

“A two-state solution is the cornerstone of sustainable peace,” he stated, emphasizing that resuming negotiations is key to ending violence and fostering mutual understanding.

Support for International Mediation Efforts

The UAE reaffirmed its support for international mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. These efforts aim to secure a prisoner exchange agreement, which could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire and facilitate the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the need for collective international action to prevent the expansion of conflict, combat extremism, and promote a path of peace and development for the region’s people.

Commitment to Palestinian Rights and Development

Reaffirming the UAE’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the nation’s efforts to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He emphasized that the UAE would continue to extend humanitarian assistance and launch initiatives to aid Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, during these challenging times.

“The UAE will spare no effort in extending assistance to its Palestinian brothers,” he stated, underscoring the importance of long-term solutions that ensure dignity, stability, and development for the Palestinian people.

Promoting Tolerance and Combating Extremism

Sheikh Abdullah also called for intensified efforts to combat extremism, hatred, and racism on a global scale. He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity as vital components for achieving lasting peace and mutual respect among nations.

High-Level Representation

The meeting was attended by senior Emirati officials, including Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; and Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, UAE Ambassador to Israel.

Conclusion: A Path Toward Regional Stability

As the Middle East faces unprecedented challenges, the UAE continues to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, mitigating conflict, and advancing humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts. The meeting between Sheikh Abdullah and Minister Gideon Sa’ar underscored the UAE’s vision for a future built on collaboration, tolerance, and sustainable peace.

Through its proactive engagement, the UAE seeks not only to address immediate crises but also to lay the groundwork for a region characterized by stability, security, and shared prosperity.