The future of Palestine is pivotal for peace in the Middle East, stated UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, Lana Nusseibeh, on Monday. She cautioned that Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories would undermine the Abraham Accords’ essence.
During her speech at the Hili Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Nusseibeh emphasized that these accords, signed five years ago, were founded on hopes of coexistence and regional integration, contingent on establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“Palestine’s future remains the cornerstone for a peaceful Middle East,” she remarked. “Should Israel annex Palestinian land, it would not only shut the door on peace and integration but also violate the Abraham Accords’ spirit. For the UAE, this issue transcends politics; it is about principles and regional peace. It is a red line.”
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The Abraham Accords, initiated during US President Donald Trump’s term in September 2020, enabled UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco to normalize diplomatic ties with Israel through US mediation.
Recently, in a statement to Khaleej Times, Nusseibeh urged an end to the Gaza conflict, the release of all hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas to prevent its control over Gaza and its people. This was in response to a report indicating Israel might consider annexing the West Bank, reacting to France and other nations recognizing a Palestinian state.
Organized by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), the Hili Forum’s second edition gathers over 60 speakers and 1,000 participants from more than 30 countries to explore significant global transformations, from economic shifts and technological advancements to changing geopolitical dynamics.
