UAE faces backlash over hosting Israeli FM amid Gaza genocide

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the official WAM news agency reported, as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza and operations in the occupied West Bank.

According to the report, both officials discussed the ongoing development of bilateral ties between the UAE and Israel and exchanged views on key regional developments, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages, while calling for restraint to prevent any further escalation of the conflict in the region.

He reiterated the UAE’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting civilians and improving the humanitarian response.

Highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza, the UAE foreign minister stressed the need for sustained, unhindered humanitarian access, saying it was essential to ensure the delivery of emergency aid to affected civilians.

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He also reaffirmed the UAE’s historic support for the Palestinian people, underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to their right to self-determination and long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Following the meeting, Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar posted on social platform X (formerly Twitter):

“Honored to meet in Abu Dhabi, for the second time, with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed […] There are major challenges ahead of us in the Middle East, but there are partners for a better future of cooperation and stability. Thank you to our hosts!”

Despite the diplomatic tone, Sa’ar remains a vocal opponent of Palestinian statehood, having publicly rejected the idea. In a previous interview last November, when asked about the possibility of a Palestinian state, he replied bluntly: “In a word: no.”

The meeting comes amid growing international concern over Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies have warned of severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter as the conflict drags on.