Two years after the Gaza war: the Emirati diplomatic epic to achieve peace
Two years have passed since the outbreak of the Gaza war, and hopes are now emerging for an end to the conflict through the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The United Arab Emirates, together with several Arab and Islamic countries, was among the first to support this plan, as it aims to end the war, rebuild Gaza, prevent the displacement of the Palestinian people, and advance the cause of comprehensive peace.
On Monday, Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to implement the first stages of the plan, following mutual agreement. The talks were scheduled to continue on Tuesday in order to reach understandings paving the way for a broader agreement.
Over the past two years, the UAE has consistently provided political, diplomatic, humanitarian and relief support to Gaza and its people. Once again, the country has reaffirmed its determination to continue its active and responsible role in the coming phase until the suffering of Gaza’s population is ended and a just and lasting peace is achieved for the stability and security of the region.
These efforts reflect the UAE’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause,
which has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since its establishment.
Diplomatic and political initiatives have intensified since the Israeli offensive on Gaza of October 7, 2023, including:
- continuous political consultations by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan;
- sustained diplomatic activity by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside official statements;
- active engagement in international forums and organizations;
- regular messages and initiatives from the Emirati leadership.
From the onset of the conflict, President Mohamed bin Zayed has been in constant contact with global leaders to promote de-escalation, protect civilians, and seek pathways to comprehensive peace.
In a recent call with King Abdullah II of Jordan, both leaders stressed their countries’ support for all initiatives aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and improving humanitarian conditions. They reiterated the importance of advancing toward a comprehensive and just peace based on the two-state solution.
Earlier this month, Mohamed bin Zayed and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed developments in the Middle East, reaffirming support for initiatives to achieve a ceasefire and ensure sustained delivery of humanitarian aid. The Emirati president welcomed the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, emphasizing once more that the two-state solution is the only viable path toward stability.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has maintained an active diplomatic dialogue with counterparts worldwide, working to rally regional and international efforts toward a lasting ceasefire. In a joint statement with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, he welcomed Hamas’s response to the U.S. plan, including the release of hostages and immediate negotiations on implementation mechanisms.
The ministers also supported President Trump’s call on Israel to halt its bombardments immediately and begin implementing the exchange agreement, appreciating U.S. commitment to regional peace.
They emphasized the urgency of negotiating mechanisms to avoid displacement of Palestinians, guarantee humanitarian access, restore Palestinian unity between the West Bank and Gaza, and ensure conditions for full Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction of Gaza.
At the United Nations, the UAE played an active role both in the Security Council and General Assembly, including sponsoring a resolution adopted in late 2023 to boost humanitarian aid flows and protect civilians. In 2024, the UAE also advanced Palestine’s eligibility for full UN membership, a historic step toward peace and the two-state solution.
This diplomatic engagement continues a historic legacy of Emirati support for the Palestinian cause, rooted in the policies of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today, President Mohamed bin Zayed continues this path, reaffirming through both words and actions the UAE’s steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people.
