Hertzog asks the UAE to use its political influence to help release hostages
The UAE holds significant regional influence and has played a major role in alleviating the suffering of Palestinians by providing humanitarian aid and receiving wounded individuals
Israeli President Isaac Herzog requested on Thursday that the Crown Prince of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, use his “political weight” to assist in the liberation of all Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in Gaza. The UAE emphasizes the importance of protecting Palestinian civilians and providing humanitarian assistance to them.
Herzog made this request to Sheikh Mohamed during a meeting in Dubai, according to a statement from the Israeli President’s office. The statement mentioned that “President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was urged to use his full political weight to support and expedite the return of the hostages to their homes.”
Sheikh Mohamed enjoys great respect and appreciation in the region, where he can play a pivotal role in resolving the crisis, ending the suffering of Palestinians, providing support to them, and reviving peace and stability, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s priorities.
A report from the UAE news agency highlighted that the two presidents discussed their bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. The Israeli president is in the UAE to attend the UN Climate Summit, COP28, from November 30 to December 12. Herzog holds a largely honorary position with limited executive powers.
This marks Herzog’s first foreign trip since the attack carried out by Hamas fighters on October 7. The UAE holds significant regional influence, contributing significantly to efforts to alleviate the Palestinians’ plight through intensive and unprecedented humanitarian aid deliveries from the Rafah crossing. They also received a significant number of wounded individuals for treatment in Emirati hospitals, earning respect and appreciation from the Palestinian side and the world.
Although Qatar and Egypt mediate between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages, efforts so far have led to the release of 99 Israelis and foreigners. Observers believe that Abu Dhabi, which signed a peace agreement with Israel in 2020 and maintains good relations with the Palestinians, could play a vital role in ending the crisis and finding a real solution to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel released 210 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the released Israeli hostages. The Israeli statement also indicated Abu Dhabi’s benefit from relations with Israel in alleviating the Palestinians’ suffering by sending aid to Gaza, building a field hospital, and assisting in transporting injured children from Gaza to receive medical care in the UAE.
The UAE calls for a just solution to the Palestinian issue through the adoption of the two-state solution, ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people and restoring stability to the region.
Hamas seized 240 hostages during its unprecedented attack inside Israeli territory on October 7, taking them to Gaza, according to the Israeli army. About 1,200 people were killed in Israel, the majority of them civilians, most of whom died on the first day of the attack, according to Israeli authorities.
The Israeli attacks and ground war on Gaza led to the deaths of over 15,000 Palestinians and the injuries of thousands more.
