The United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for suggesting that the Emiratis could assist in a future post-war administration in the Gaza Strip. The tension between the two nations’ visions for Gaza’s future highlights the complexities of the region’s political landscape.
In a recent interview, Netanyahu proposed that moderate Arab Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, could play a crucial role in rebuilding Gaza after the war. However, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan made it clear that the UAE rejects any plan that would provide cover for Israeli presence in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israeli prime minister does not have the legal capacity to make such decisions.
The Emirati foreign minister reiterated that the UAE is willing to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction once a Palestinian government is established that meets the aspirations of the local population and is characterized by integrity, competence, and independence. This stance aligns with the UAE and Saudi leaders’ previous indication that they are prepared to support Gaza within a framework that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE were established in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, marking a significant milestone in the region. Despite this progress, Netanyahu’s opposition to a two-state solution, citing security concerns and political pressures, complicates the prospects for peace in the region.
Netanyahu has vowed that neither Hamas nor the Fatah party would rule Gaza after the war, expressing concerns about terrorism and incitement against Israel. Some far-right ministers in his government have even called for the re-establishment of Jewish communities in Gaza, a controversial proposal that lacks widespread support among Israelis.
The Biden administration has advocated for a reformed Palestinian Authority to assume responsibility for Gaza, while Netanyahu has proposed local Gaza officials without terror ties to govern the Strip with Arab and international assistance. The differing perspectives on Gaza’s future highlight the challenges of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict.
The UAE’s commitment to supporting Gaza’s reconstruction within the framework of an independent Palestinian state underscores the complexities of the region’s political dynamics. As the tensions between Israel and the UAE continue to play out, the path to peace in the Middle East remains uncertain.