UAE President and Trump Discuss Ceasefire Efforts in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed ceasefire efforts in Gaza amid renewed Israeli military action. The call emphasized the need for humanitarian aid and a two-state solution. Trump’s prior reconstruction plan for Gaza has drawn criticism, while Arab states support an alternative plan. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza since October 2023.

On Tuesday, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. This discussion coincided with Israel’s renewed military actions in the region, which began on March 18, disrupting a preceding two-month ceasefire. Reports indicate that nearly 700 individuals, primarily women and children, have tragically lost their lives since the resumption of hostilities, according to Palestinian health officials.

During the call, President Al Nahyan emphasized the necessity of providing humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution, as noted by the Emirati state news agency WAM. Earlier in February, President Trump introduced a controversial plan for Gaza, which involved displacing Palestinian populations and proposing the creation of a Middle East “Riviera.” This plan faced widespread criticism from various international leaders.

In contrast, Arab states, including the UAE, have shown support for an Egyptian alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza, estimated to cost $53 billion while seeking to avoid the displacement of Palestinians. However, it remains unclear if President Al Nahyan and President Trump addressed these plans during their recent discussion. Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser, previously remarked that any viable reconstruction effort for Gaza necessitates a clear pathway towards a two-state solution for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Notably, the UAE is one of the few Arab nations to have normalized relations with Israel under U.S.-led agreements facilitated by President Trump in 2020. With respect to the ongoing conflict, Palestinian health authorities report that Israel’s military operations in Gaza have led to significant casualties, with more than 50,000 fatalities recorded. The escalation of the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants penetrated Israeli borders, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, most of whom were civilians, and the captivity of approximately 250 individuals in Gaza.

In conclusion, the recent phone call between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and U.S. President Donald Trump highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian support in Gaza. As violence escalates, key discussions regarding reconstruction plans and the pursuit of a two-state solution remain pivotal. The international community watches closely as relations between Arab states and Israel evolve amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com