2023-12-01 02:12:15
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday asked UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to use his “political weight” to help free all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Herzog’s request came during a meeting in Dubai, according to a statement issued by the Israeli President’s Media Office.
The statement said, “The President appealed to his friend, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to use his full political weight to support and accelerate the return of the hostages to their homes.”
Herzog is in the UAE to attend the United Nations COP28 climate summit, which runs from November 30 to December 12. The position of Israeli president is largely ceremonial and has no executive powers.
This is Herzog’s first foreign trip since the attack launched by Hamas fighters on October 7.
The UAE has regional influence, but Qatar and Egypt are the ones mediating between Israel and Hamas to release the hostages, efforts that have so far led to the release of 99 Israelis and foreigners.
Israel released 210 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the released Israeli hostages.
The Israeli statement also indicated that Israel cooperated with the UAE so that the Gulf state might send aid to Gaza, build a field hospital, and help transport injured children from Gaza to receive medical care in the UAE.
A report by the Emirates News Agency stated that the two presidents discussed relations between their countries and issues of common interest.
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