West STL News

Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-2), Brad Schneider (IL-10), David Trone (MD-6), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), convened the second meeting of the Gaza Working Group this week. The Co-Chairs were joined by key diplomatic figures to discuss ongoing efforts and future plans for Gaza's reconstruction and long-term peace.

Ambassadors in attendance included:

H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates

H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain (joining virtually)

H.E. Youssef Amrani, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-2) said: “I appreciated meeting with Ambassadors from Bahrain, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates on the role our critical partners can play in ensuring a stable and deradicalized Gaza. Ten months after Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel, I am so heartened to see the Abraham Accords are standing strong. Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, are only escalating their provocations, and it is more important than ever that the U.S., Israel, and our Abraham Accords partners present a united front against their violent agenda.”

Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) stated: "The Abraham Accords Caucus remains dedicated to promoting peace for the region and is committed to advancing security and reconstruction in Gaza. Our ongoing dialogue with regional leaders and experts is crucial in shaping effective strategies that will ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Gaza and the broader Middle East. Thanks to Ambassadors Otaiba, Al Khalifa and Amrani for sharing their perspectives and insights."

Rep. David Trone (MD-6) emphasized: “To rebuild a successful Gaza, we must rebuild hope among its people. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to facilitate these dialogues with global leaders to ensure Gazans can rely on a free and fair democracy, a promising economy, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) concluded: “The Abraham Accords Caucus is continuing to work towards our goal of achieving peace and prosperity in the Middle East through open and honest dialogue. Our productive meeting with the ambassadors this week was an encouraging step that brings us closer to a world in which Israel – and all of the Middle East – is free of Hamas, making way for a safer, brighter, and stronger future for all.”

The Abraham Accords Caucus, established to build on the success of the historic Abraham Accords, serves as a forum for identifying and advancing strategic partnerships. The Gaza Working Group aims to guide regional efforts in rebuilding Gaza with a focus on thwarting extremism and ensuring lasting stability. The Working Group will continue to engage with regional partners and experts to develop bipartisan recommendations to promote Arab-Israeli cooperation on Gaza’s recovery and future.