UAE Minister Affirms Israel's West Bank Annexation As A Red Line Impacting Regional Security

The UAE Minister of State, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, emphasised that Israel's potential annexation of the West Bank or any occupied Palestinian territories is unacceptable. He stated that such actions would jeopardise regional security. Al Marar reiterated the UAE's unwavering support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution as the only viable path to a fair and comprehensive peace.

During a joint press conference with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Al Marar highlighted the outcomes of the 164th session of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers. The meeting, chaired by the UAE, resulted in unanimous agreement among ministers and delegation heads on all agenda items. Key topics included halting Israeli actions against Palestinians and opposing any attempts to undermine their cause through displacement or annexation.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit confirmed that Arab ministers agreed on two main objectives moving forward. The first is to immediately stop acts of genocide, and the second is to maintain the vision of an independent Palestinian state as central to achieving peace. This consensus underscores a unified Arab stance on these critical issues.

The UAE continues its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, aiming to halt conflict and restore stability in collaboration with other Arab nations. These efforts include delivering aid and working towards political and humanitarian solutions. The focus remains on ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.

Aboul Gheit noted that Egypt and Saudi Arabia presented a joint draft resolution titled "Arab Cooperation in the Middle East." This resolution was unanimously adopted, reflecting a collective Arab position against any violation of Arab states' sovereignty. It also reaffirms support for the two-state solution as essential for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

International Support for Peace Initiatives

The adopted resolution calls for an international conference to implement the two-state solution and seeks increased global recognition of Palestine. This initiative aims to bolster international support for a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts in the region.

Al Marar stressed that discussions during the ministerial meetings were extensive, leading to full consensus on all agenda items. He reiterated that stopping Israeli actions against Palestinians is crucial for maintaining regional stability and peace.

The commitment from Arab states highlights their dedication to protecting Palestinian rights while seeking diplomatic solutions. The unified approach aims to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term political resolutions.

With inputs from WAM