UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and U.S. President Trump discussed Gaza ceasefire efforts during a recent phone call. This comes as Israel’s military actions have resumed, resulting in significant casualties. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for humanitarian aid and the viability of a two-state solution, contrasting with Trump’s controversial reconstruction plan for the region.
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a phone conversation, as reported by the Emirati state news agency WAM, focusing on efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza following a renewal of Israel’s military operations. The conflict escalated on March 18, with nearly 700 casualties reported, predominantly among women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.
During the discourse, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the necessity of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s residents and reiterated support for the two-state solution. This discussion was imperative against the backdrop of Trump’s controversial proposal in February, which included plans deemed by many to displace Palestinians and establish a Mediterranean-style region in the Middle East.
In response, Arab states, including the UAE, have favored an Egyptian-recommended reconstruction plan for Gaza, valued at $53 billion and specifically designed to prevent displacement. However, WAM did not confirm whether the two leaders deliberated on these conflicting approaches.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, underscored the importance of a two-state solution as a prerequisite for any reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The UAE notably normalized relations with Israel in 2020 as a result of U.S.-facilitated agreements during Trump’s presidency.
Palestinian health authorities report that Israel’s military campaign, intensified on March 18, has tragically resulted in over 50,000 deaths since the onset of conflict on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed the border, leading to significant civilian casualties and kidnappings.
The conversation between the UAE president and U.S. president highlights ongoing international efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza, amidst significant humanitarian concerns and complex geopolitical dynamics. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of securing aid for Gaza residents and reiterating support for a two-state solution, while contrasting controversial proposals for reconstruction. This situation remains critical as the humanitarian toll continues to rise amid the conflict.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
