President Sheikh Mohamed has reaffirmed the need for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict – during a call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
According to the state news agency Wam, the two leaders welcomed the long-awaited Gaza ceasefire, which came into effect on Sunday, but stressed the need to work towards enhancing security and stability in the region.
The leaders reviewed a number of regional and international issues. They also explored ways to strengthen co-operation in various sectors, including economic, investment and development fields.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, on Monday issued a renewed plea for an independent Palestinian state. In a message on social media platform X, posted on Sunday evening, he said the six-week halt to fighting had brought an end to “months of death and devastation”.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday offered their support to the ceasefire plan during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi.
The two leaders underlined the importance of ensuring sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and reaffirmed the need for a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace.
Hostages released as ceasefire begins
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Sunday at 11.15am local time, after the Palestinian group released the names of the three Israeli hostages to be freed on the first day of the truce.
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were the three names on the initial list of 33 hostages to be released in the first phase of ceasefire. All three returned to Israel on Sunday.
The Israel Prison Service confirmed in a statement that it had completed the first release of prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal.