FM Jilani, UAE counterpart discuss escalating situation in Gaza

During a telephonic conversation, both stress upon coordinated response and urgent need for cessation of hostilities

ISLAMABAD:

In the wake of the escalating situation in Gaza, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani engaged in a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, on Saturday.

The discussion primarily revolved around the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians in the region. They also emphasised the importance of a coordinated response to address the crisis.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani took to social media to share details of the conversation, posting on X, "Received a call from HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Foreign Minister of UAE. We discussed the escalating situation in Gaza, the urgent need for cessation of hostilities, and protection of civilians. A coordinated response was emphasized."

Received a call from HH Sheikh #Abdullah_bin_Zayed, Foreign Minister of UAE . We discussed escalating situation in #Gaza , the urgent need for cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians. A coordinated response was emphasised.

— Jalil Abbas Jilani (@JalilJilani) October 14, 2023

The UAE's outreach to Pakistan comes at a critical juncture as Saudi Arabia prepares to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on October 18.

The meeting is set to take place at the General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah Governorate and aims to address the ongoing military situation in Gaza, reflecting the collective concern among OIC member states about the deteriorating conditions in the region.

Read More: Gaza crisis: OIC convenes 'extraordinary meeting' on Oct 18 in Jeddah

It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates had previously recognised Israel and established diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv under the historic Abraham Accords, a groundbreaking development in the Middle East peace process.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia was moving closer to normalising ties with Israel before recent hostilities erupted. Hamas initiated what was termed a "surprise attack" on Israel, prompting retaliatory actions by the Israeli occupational forces. This chain of events cast a shadow over the prospects of a peace process that could have potentially led to Saudi Arabia officially recognising Israel.