The UAE mediated a third round of negotiations for the exchange of captivesbetween Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the return of 100 prisoners to each country, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. The Emirates previously mediated the exchange of 207 Ukrainian prisoners for 195 Russian prisoners at the start of the month, and the swap of 200 Ukrainian prisoners for 248 Russian prisoners earlier in January.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry warned that a military operation in Rafah could lead to “serious humanitarian repercussions,”urging immediate international action to achieve a ceasefire and prevent escalation of the situation after Israel killed at least 44 Palestinians as it launched airstrikes in Rafah on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the need for unified Arab action and cooperation with international partners to address regional challenges, particularly the crisis in Gaza, at the Arab consultative ministerial meeting on Gaza in Riyadh last Friday, according to a ministry statement. High-ranking officials from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority attended the meeting.

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