UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed ceasefire efforts in Gaza following Israel’s renewed military actions. Almost 700 people, predominantly women and children, have died since the escalation began. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for aid and support for a two-state solution, while differing reconstruction plans were noted. The UAE seeks to address the conflict’s humanitarian aspects amid significant violence and loss of life.
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, engaged in a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. This dialogue comes amid an escalation in Israeli military operations, which resumed on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire that has now been disrupted. Reports indicate that nearly 700 individuals, primarily women and children, have tragically lost their lives in this renewed conflict according to Palestinian health officials.
During the phone call, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of facilitating aid for residents in Gaza and the necessity of supporting a two-state solution. Meanwhile, President Trump had earlier proposed a controversial plan for Gaza that included the displacement of Palestinians, which faced widespread global criticism. In contrast, Arab nations, including the UAE, have endorsed an Egyptian alternative reconstruction initiative for Gaza, estimated to cost $53 billion, which aims to avoid displacing residents.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, stated on February 26 that the implementation of a reconstruction plan for Gaza is contingent upon establishing a clear route towards a two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine. Furthermore, the UAE is one of the few Arab nations that established normalized relations with Israel under agreements facilitated by President Trump in 2020.
Recent reports indicate that Israeli operations in Gaza have resulted in over 50,000 fatalities, with the conflict reigniting on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed the border, leading to over 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 individuals being taken captive into Gaza.
In conclusion, the interaction between Sheikh Mohammed of the UAE and President Trump underscores the complicated dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With both leaders discussing ceasefire efforts and humanitarian assistance, there is a clear acknowledgment of the need for a lasting resolution through a two-state solution. The contrasting plans regarding Gaza’s reconstruction highlight the complexities and differing perspectives among regional and global powers.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
