The United Arab Emirates’ Stance on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the Wake of Trump’s Gaza Proposal
On February 19, 2020, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, conveyed to United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio his country’s firm rejection of any proposal that would necessitate the displacement of Palestinians from their ancestral lands. This declaration came in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States assume control over the Gaza Strip, a proposition met with widespread disapproval from both Arab nations and Western allies.
During a meeting in Abu Dhabi, President Nahyan emphasized to Secretary Rubio the paramount importance of linking the reconstruction of Gaza to a cohesive path towards a comprehensive and enduring peace, predicated upon the two-state solution as the foundation for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UAE, as one of the four Arab countries that established normalized diplomatic relations with Israel under the Trump administration, plays a pivotal role in financing reconstruction efforts following conflicts in the region, rendering its stance on the conflict particularly significant.
Arab Diplomacy and Alternative Plans
In response to President Trump’s Gaza proposal, Arab diplomatic efforts aim to formulate an alternative plan for the territory, ravaged by Israel’s 15-month military campaign against Hamas, rendering nearly all of its 2.3 million inhabitants homeless. The leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar are poised to deliberate on the plan during a gathering in Riyadh this month prior to presenting it to an Arab League summit scheduled for March in Cairo.
Historical Context and UAE’s Role
Historical Genesis of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
- The conflict between Israel and Palestine has its roots in the region’s complex history, dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th century.
- Increased Jewish immigration to Palestine during this period and the subsequent establishment of the Israeli state in 1948 led to the displacement of a significant number of Palestinians, contributing to the heart of the conflict.
UAE’s Historical Position:
- The UAE has historically supported the Arab position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
- The UAE has also been actively involved in humanitarian and economic aid efforts in the Palestinian territories.
Recent Developments and the Abraham Accords:
- In 2020, the UAE, along with Bahrain, became the first Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
- This historic move reflected a shift in regional dynamics, as several Arab countries sought to prioritize economic and security cooperation with Israel while acknowledging the unresolved Palestinian issue.
UAE’s Current Stance:
- The UAE’s rejection of any plan that would involve the displacement of Palestinians from their land underscores its commitment to the two-state solution and its support for Palestinian rights.
- The UAE’s stance aligns with the broader Arab consensus on the need for a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict, safeguarding the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as articulated by President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, demonstrates the country’s unwavering support for a two-state solution and its rejection of any proposals that would undermine Palestinian rights. This position underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering stability and lasting peace in the region, recognizing the interconnectedness of regional security and prosperity.
