German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appealed to Gulf countries to work together with the West on a peace solution for the Israeli people and the Palestinian territories. “All people are interested in living in peace and dignity. “All people have the right to live in peace and dignity,” Baerbock said after talks with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.
This applies to both Israelis and Palestinians, and it “also unifies the majority of people in the region. Like everyone in this world, they want their children to have a peaceful future,” said Baerbock in Abu Dhabi. The terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas has shaken the sense of security of the entire region. “Our common message from all moderates to extremist elements in the region is very clear: do not add fuel to the fire.”
Baerbock praised the UAE, which had increased its support for the Palestinian relief organization UNRWA and also wanted to get involved in the care of the injured. “The UAE in particular is a bridge between different worlds” – also because they have maintained full diplomatic relations with Israel since 2020. The German Foreign Minister praised, “The UAE recognizes that direct exchanges and dialogue deliver greater security and prosperity for all.”
It was also important that the UAE “clearly called Hamas a terror by its name and recognized Israel’s right to self-defense.” Baerbock said: “We must not let this historic opportunity to normalize Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors be wasted.” This is “an insidious calculation by Hamas, which seeks to create a rift among the international community.” “That is why it is so important that we work together with our Arab partners.”
