ISTANBUL — During a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Israeli Knesset member Mansour Abbas, UAE’s Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed deep concerns over the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly the expanding ground invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip by the Israeli army.
The official Emirati news agency WAM reported that the discussions focused on the current developments in the Middle East, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and concerted efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Minister Al Nahyan highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for the “intensive, safe, and unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Strip.”
Reaffirming the UAE’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, Al Nahyan stressed the importance of advancing serious political dialogues aimed at resuming negotiations for a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
The situation in Gaza remains dire as Israel continues its offensive despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. Since last October, after a Hamas attack, over 35,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and more than 79,200 have been injured. The Israeli ground offensive that began on May 6 in Rafah has forced approximately 600,000 people to flee, contributing to the humanitarian crisis.
The region faces a severe blockade impacting the availability of essential supplies like food, clean water, and medicine. Amid these conditions, Israel has been accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has mandated that Tel Aviv ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.–News Desk