The United Arab Emirates has called for an urgent halt to the violence in Gaza, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed delivering the message during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This high-level discussion marked Netanyahu’s first engagement with a senior Arab leader since Israel's military strike against Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9, 2025, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the encounter.
In his remarks, Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s firm commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace, one that is grounded in a two-state solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
As reported by WAM, the UAE state news agency, the Foreign Minister stressed that the UAE stands ready to back all initiatives that bring both sides closer to a comprehensive peace agreement.
Although the Abraham Accords were not mentioned in the report, their impact on the region remains significant.
These accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, have come under strain due to Israeli policies in the West Bank.
Earlier this year, the UAE had warned Israel that any move toward annexation in the occupied territory would be seen as a “red line,” potentially jeopardising the spirit of the agreements.
Abu Dhabi has also suggested that it could scale back its diplomatic ties with Israel should such actions proceed.
The UAE’s warning came in the wake of increasing international support for the Palestinian cause. Several Western nations, including France, Britain, and Canada, recognised Palestine as a state last week, a step designed to push for a two-state solution amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned these countries, accusing them of undermining Israel's position on Palestinian statehood.
As calls for peace intensify, the diplomatic exchange between Sheikh Abdullah and Netanyahu stands as a key moment in efforts to address the ongoing violence in Gaza.
With international pressure mounting, the question remains whether these discussions will lead to a path toward lasting peace.