Abdullah Bin Zayed, Blinken discuss ceasefire, aid response in Gaza

UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held a phone call late Tuesday night to discuss latest developments in Gaza as well as the broader region. The talks focused on efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire and increase humanitarian response for civilians in Gaza.

While affirming the UAE’s support for America’s efforts towards mediating a ceasefire in Gaza, Sheikh Abdullah also emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated and sustained efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah also stressed the importance of ending “tension, extremism and escalating violence in the region” and working towards finding a serious political pathway for re-negotiations to achieve peace based on a two-state solution.

During the call, the UAE minister also touched upon developments in Sudan and their humanitarian repercussions.

Gaza humanitarian crisis

World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the occupied palestinian territories Dr. Rick Peppercorn said on Tuesday that hospitals in Gaza are suffering from a shortage in fuel, of which only 195 liters were supplied to the Gaza strip between June 25 and June 27.

He explained in a video press conference yesterday that health operations alone need 80,000 liters of fuel on a daily basis, while the water supply and sanitation sector alone needs 70,000 liters daily. He said that a lack of fuel threatens the lives of patients since it delays ambulance services.

UAE aid to Gaza

Starting from November 2023, the UAE has continued its humanitarian operation – called “Gallant Knight 3” – to supply aid and humanitarian needs to the people of Gaza.

As per the latest update of the Ministry of foreign affairs in June, the UAE has delivered 33,000 tons of urgent supplies and relief aid to Gaza, including food, medical aid and shelter materials. In addition, it has established a floating hospital on the Egyptian side of the border in the Gaza strip.

In response to the water crisis in the region, the UAE has established six water desalination plants with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day. Furthermore, five automatic bakeries have been established to meet the daily needs of more than 72,000 people.