The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized the importance of the proposals put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, appreciating these efforts aimed at stopping the war in the region. This came during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to WAM news agency.
During the call, current developments in the Middle East and the situation in Gaza, particularly its humanitarian implications, were discussed. Sheikh Abdullah reviewed President Biden's proposals with Blinken, which include a comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, the release of prisoners and hostages, the return of residents from northern Gaza to their areas, an increase in humanitarian aid to meet the needs within the region, and the implementation of a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed the necessity of seriously and positively engaging with the American president's proposals, along with any other suggestions that lead to de-escalation in the region, protecting the lives of all civilians, alleviating the worsening humanitarian crisis faced by civilians in Gaza, and ending this war. He also pointed out the importance of building on these proposals to find a serious political horizon for resuming negotiations aimed at achieving comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.
He appreciated the ongoing mediation efforts by the brotherly State of Qatar, the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, and the friendly United States to reach a ceasefire, reaffirming the UAE's steadfast support for all efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire, urgently providing humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.
He noted that extremism, tension, and rising violence have led the region to an unprecedented state of instability, necessitating the need for intensified international cooperation and the collective regional and international efforts to end this situation, focusing on establishing the foundations of security and stability in the region and meeting its peoples' aspirations for a decent life, development, and prosperity.
