Israel and UAE discuss ceasefire, hostage release in Gaza conflict

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar paid a rare official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, where he met with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The high-level meeting comes amid ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and reflects efforts to maintain regional diplomatic engagement despite strained circumstances.

According to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers focused particularly on “the deepening humanitarian situation in Gaza” and explored “regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, facilitating a truce agreement, and securing the release of hostages.”

Ties between Israel and the UAE were formalized under the 2020 Abraham Accords. However, senior-level reciprocal visits have become increasingly rare since the outbreak of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Following the meeting in Abu Dhabi, Minister Sa’ar shared a message on social media platform X, expressing optimism about future cooperation:
“Major challenges lie ahead in the Middle East, but there are partners for a better future of cooperation and stability. Thank you to our hosts!”

The visit is seen as part of Israel’s broader push to maintain diplomatic channels in the region while seeking allies in mediating a path out of the war.