Blinken, UAE FM discuss ceasefire efforts in war-torn Gaza

DUBAI - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, release hostages and increase humanitarian assistance, the US mission to the Gulf Arab state said on Friday.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the importance of boosting the efforts of the international community to improve the humanitarian response to the escalating crisis and ensure the protection of all civilians in the Gaza Strip.

He underscored the importance of putting an end to extremism and halting escalating tensions and violence in the region, which threaten regional and global peace and security, as well as accelerating the drive to alleviate the suffering of civilians in the Strip.

He also touched on developments in the situation in Sudan and their humanitarian repercussions.