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UAE formally recognises Israel in historic move, Trump announces

The UAE and Israel have formally normalised relations, Donald Trump has announced, in a "historic" deal that will halt Israeli annexation of occupied land sought by the Palestinians for their future state.

The announcement makes the UAE the first Gulf country to do so and only the third Arab nation to have active diplomatic ties with Israel, joining Egypt and Jordan.

Calling it a “diplomatic breakthrough” Mr Trump said the move will advance peace in the Middle east region. In a statement posted on Twitter he added that UAE will "immediately expand and accelerate cooperation" with Israel.

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