UAE Rejects Post-War Gaza Plan Without Palestinian Statehood, Says Foreign Minister

 The United Arab Emirates explicitly stated that it will not accept any plan for the recovery of the Gaza Strip after the conflict unless it involves the creation of a Palestinian state, said UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The following statement can be regarded as clearly emphasising the UAE’s position regarding the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state concept. 

 Way back this year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his long-term post-war vision on Gaza to his War Cabinet. Developed by the Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s close aides, the plan, “The Day After Hamas”, aims to disband the Palestinian resistance groups and put in place a new government which has no connection with any existing recognised Palestinian political parties. Netanyahu’s proposal also provides Israeli Defence Forces “indefinite access”, or liberty to function inside Gaza, which means that the army would take some actions in the Palestinian territory even after the operations cease. 

 The plan published in The Times of Israel for the Gazan side of the border envisions creating a security buffer zone, which will have to be maintained until the security issues are no longer concerning. 

 Competing Post-War Plans for Gaza 

 Gaza’s future is among the most important subjects of debate among leaders of Israel, the American administration, and global leaders. Several other plans are said to be being discussed regarding the future of the country following the war. One of the recommendations is to establish ‘ bubbles’ or ‘islands’ within the Gaza Strip where the civilians could be consolidated so that the IDF could conduct their operations, leaving behind civilian populations. 

 Another solution, which was proposed by one of the right-wing Israeli-based research organisations, concerns the permanent military control of Gaza by the Israeli government. Such plans have raised international controversy on which line of action should be adopted to bring order in the region, especially with some advocating for a more aggressive approach by military forces and others advocating for diplomatic approaches. 

  UAE’s Firm Stand on Palestinian Statehood 

 The current policy of the UAE to reject any post-war plan which does not involve the establishment of the Palestinian state confirms the country’s devotion to the two-state solution. This posture was arrived at in the wake of the Abraham Accords, which brought diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel. Despite the deepening of economic and political ties with Israel, the UAE has not wavered its stand in demanding a just and lasting solution for the Palestinian people, which is essential for the Middle East’s stability. 

 This course of action exerts pressure on Israel and other actors concerned with the future of Gaza to answer the questions concerning Palestinians’ statehood in the region beyond security concerns and military occupation.