US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to normalise relations.
A joint statement by Trump, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Al Nahyan said they hoped the "historic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East".
As a result, they added, Israel would suspend its controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
Until now Israel has had no diplomatic relations with Gulf Arab countries.
However, shared concerns over Iran's regional influence have led to unofficial contacts between them.
[Source:BBC]
