Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has firmly rejected any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their homeland, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to the UAE on Wednesday, reports VOA.
According to state media, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the urgent need to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. He also underscored the importance of rebuilding the war-torn enclave and pursuing a comprehensive, long-term peace settlement based on a two-state solution, which he described as the only path to regional stability.
Arab Leaders Reject U.S. Proposals
Arab nations, including the UAE, have dismissed plans proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggest relocating Palestinians from Gaza to other regional states while the U.S. takes control of and rebuilds the area.
Rubio’s visit to Abu Dhabi was part of a diplomatic tour that also included meetings with Israeli and Saudi officials. His trip comes as the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas nears its expiration in early March.
Hamas to Release Hostages Amid Ceasefire Talks
In a separate development, Hamas has announced plans to release six more Israeli hostages on Saturday and return the bodies of four others on Thursday. The move follows Israel’s recent decision to allow the entry of portable housing units and construction equipment into Gaza, a long-standing demand from Hamas.
So far, Hamas has freed 24 hostages as part of the current ceasefire agreement, while Israel has released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The next phase of negotiations is expected to be more complex, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the remaining captives.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on Tuesday that Israel is ready to start discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire, though it remains committed to eliminating Hamas’ military and governing presence in Gaza.
The war, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, has resulted in over 48,200 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ongoing conflict has displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving large parts of the territory in ruins.
