The UAE has reinforced its dedication to a two-state solution, emphasizing it as the “sole path” to enduring peace. In Abu Dhabi, Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, declared any annexation of Palestinian territories as a “red line” for the UAE.
“The UAE remains steadfast in supporting this Arab and international vision of a viable Palestinian state,” he stated. “While we have concerns about management methods, this does not detract from our commitment. We firmly believe any annexation is a red line for the UAE.”
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Gargash spoke at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, stating that a “maximalist approach” on Palestine is outdated and cautioned that extremism on both sides will only extend the conflict. He noted that renewed confrontation would further harm Palestinians and fail to secure lasting peace for Israel.
Abraham Accords
Gargash highlighted the strategic importance of the Abraham Accords in peace efforts and the UAE’s role in aiding Gaza. “Over the past two years, we’ve contributed $2.57 billion to Gaza aid,” he mentioned. “This accounts for nearly 46% of all aid to Gaza. We have sent 100,000 tons of food and medical supplies to Gaza. Our water pipelines from Egypt to Rafah serve a million people in Gaza. This initiative has greatly expanded our humanitarian efforts, and we plan to enhance it.”
He emphasized that such efforts were feasible due to the UAE’s relationship with Israel. “The UAE has utilized its ties with Israel to facilitate this access,” he said. “Without a relationship with Israel, bringing 3,000 Palestinians and their families here, for example, wouldn’t have been possible.”
In another session, UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh discussed the reasons behind signing the Abraham Accords. “We aimed to connect with the 30% of the region’s population under 25, offering a new vision of peace, coexistence, and tolerance,” she explained.
She further noted that the UAE is positioning itself as a pragmatic diplomatic connector, using diplomacy to mediate conflicts.
Rebuilding Gaza
Gargash affirmed that the UAE will be crucial in Gaza’s reconstruction but insisted on the need for political clarity. “We are eager to assist in every possible way, but the UAE’s role will adapt based on the situation,” he said. “If a clear path to a long-term Palestinian state emerges, our role will naturally expand. A Dutch colleague once shared that the Dutch rebuilt Gaza Port three times. No nation desires to invest heavily without the assurance of lasting peace.”
In a separate discussion, Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar stated he had not been approached for Gaza’s reconstruction and had no interest in it.
“My philosophy is that everyone should clean up their mess,” he remarked remotely from Georgia. “If I used a plate, it’s my responsibility to clean it. Those involved in the chaos should be accountable for rectifying it.”
With a touch of humor, he added that he was preoccupied with generating billions in profits, “like capitalists in the US and other countries,” rather than engaging in Gaza’s rebuilding, asserting that those responsible for its destruction should take charge of its restoration.
