Leaders of UAE and Jordan call for ‘unimpeded’ delivery of Gaza aid

President Sheikh Mohamed welcomed King Abdullah II for talks in Abu Dhabi

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President Sheikh Mohamed and Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Thursday called for the “safe and unimpeded delivery” of urgent aid to Gaza by land, air and sea during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of securing a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” for the Palestinian people, based on a two-state solution.

They underlined the need for robust international action to address a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip during discussions at Qasr Al Shati.

About 32,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began, Gaza’s Health Ministry says, with women and children making up two thirds of the dead.

Most of the territory’s 2.3 million people remain displaced, as the humanitarian crisis worsens and the threat of famine looms.

King Abdullah was earlier greeted on arrival by Sheikh Mohamed at Al Bateen Executive Airport in the UAE capital.

The Emirati delegation welcoming the monarch included Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

King Abdullah received a military guard of honour after touching down in the Emirates. His visiting delegation included Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh.

The Jordanian king regularly visits the UAE to consolidate the long-standing ties between the countries.

Sheikh Mohamed made a state visit to Jordan last month and held talks with King Abdullah at Basman Palace in Amman.

The UAE President and the Jordanian monarch emphasised their commitment to ensuring close co-ordination on issues of mutual interest and pledged to continue to work to assure the security and stability of the region.

Sheikh Mohamed hosted an iftar reception in honour of King Abdullah and his delegation. King Abdullah left the UAE on Thursday evening from Al Bateen airport, state news agency Wam reported.