Israel Envoy Urges UAE Flights Continue After Hijacking Attempt

Israel's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, has called for the continuation of flights between the two countries, despite a recent hijacking attempt on a Flydubai plane. Shelley emphasized that the UAE has provided Israel with support for the past six years, particularly during times when travel was restricted. He stated that the UAE offered Israel "everything" when the country was "completely closed," and therefore, flights should not be halted over a single incident. Shelley believes a solution can be found to maintain air travel, suggesting other airlines could operate the route and expressing optimism that the issue will be resolved quickly.

Regarding the circumstances that allowed the hijacking attempt, Shelley described the outcome as "terrible" and noted it could have been worse. He stressed the need to investigate how a civilian pilot was able to reach such a situation. Meanwhile, passengers Tsvika and Tali Mance, who were on board the flight and helped subdue the attacker, recounted the harrowing experience. They described hearing banging on the cockpit door, witnessing stabbings, and hearing their daughter screaming from inside a restroom, while noting the rapid response from others on the plane.