UAE president calls for regional peace efforts, aid to Gaza in call with US Defense Secretary

Sheikh Mohamed and Austin held a call on Friday to discuss defense matters as part of the two nations’ strategic relations.

The pair addressed “serious regional developments and escalation,” according to a report by Emirates News Agency WAM, as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, threatening to exacerbate violence and instability and undermine regional security.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the need to prioritise the protection of civilian lives in accordance with international humanitarian law and the need to secure urgent humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

The UAE President also stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to find a clear political horizon to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace for the benefit of the region in a way that preserves security and stability, according to WAM.

On Saturday and Sunday, over 10,000 volunteers across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah came together to contribute to the “Tarahum – for Gaza” campaign, which was supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and the World Food Programme and the Ministry of Community Development.

The volunteers prepared 25,000 urgent relief packages overall, with more than 550 tonnes of relief material and 120 tonnes of humanitarian aid – including food supplies and other essential materials for children and mothers, which were sent to Egypt’s Al-Arish to then be taken to the Gaza Strip.

The campaign was an extension of the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian relief to alleviate repercussions brought on from crises and disasters. The initiative was in line with the UAE’s approach, based on the principle of human solidarity, and a continuation of the UAE’s efforts to support and provide relief to the Palestinian people, WAM reported on Sunday.