UAE Condemns Israeli Minister for Denying Existence of Palestinian People

The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem on March 21, 2023 as people (not pictured) gather to check for the moon to mark the start of Islam's holy month of Ramadan. (AFP)
The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem on March 21, 2023 as people (not pictured) gather to check for the moon to mark the start of Islam's holy month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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UAE Condemns Israeli Minister for Denying Existence of Palestinian People

The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem on March 21, 2023 as people (not pictured) gather to check for the moon to mark the start of Islam's holy month of Ramadan. (AFP)
The Dome of the Rock shrine is lit up at dusk at the Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem on March 21, 2023 as people (not pictured) gather to check for the moon to mark the start of Islam's holy month of Ramadan. (AFP)

The United Arab Emirates condemned on Tuesday statements by Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich in which he denied the existence of the Palestinian people.

The UAE also condemned his use of a map of Israel that includes lands from Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories, reported the state news agency WAM.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) stressed the UAE's rejection of inciteful rhetoric and all practices that contradict moral and human values and principles.

The Ministry stressed the need to confront hate speech and violence and noted the importance of promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence to reduce escalation and instability in the region.

The Ministry underscored the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the Middle East peace process, end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.



Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the strong partnership between the Kingdom and UNRWA. They also reviewed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges related to these issues.
In a related context, Arab reactions continue after Israel’s publications of maps annexing parts of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Israel’s “extremist” acts that reflect Israel’s “intentions to consolidate its occupation and continue its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of those nations.”
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to fulfill its role in halting Israel’s violations against the countries and peoples of the region.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and borders of nations to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s maps publications, saying it “reflects a state of right-wing extremism and religious obsession prevailing within the Israeli government”.