United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday regarding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and maintain regional stability.
Al Nahyan stressed the importance of humanitarian aid to Gaza in light of the “dire humanitarian situation” there, according to Emirates News Agency-WAM.
On March 2, Israel suspended all aid into Gaza after Hamas rejected a ceasefire extension proposed by Washington. The U.S. backed Israel’s move.
The UAE’s president also reaffirmed his country’s support for the two-state solution as the “foundation for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region—one that guarantees security and stability for all its countries and peoples.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state in the wake of Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre.
“Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions,” said Netanyahu in Feb. 2024.
Most Israelis oppose a two-state solution, according to recent polls.
Al Nahyan and Trump also discussed strengthening strategic ties between the countries.
They spoke of the recent official visit to the United States by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s national security adviser.
The visit led to the announcement of key agreements and partnerships between the UAE and the United States, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure and energy.