Israel Report: Emirates could secure Gaza Strip militarily
According to a media report, the United Arab Emirates could participate in securing the coastal area militarily after the end of the war in the Gaza Strip.
14.08.2024, 12:52
SDA
However, the prerequisite for this is that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is appointed as the responsible and authorizing authority there, reported Israel's army broadcaster, citing informed circles. The Emirates would only be prepared to take such a step at the request of the PA.
The Emirates was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020. There has long been speculation about a possible role for the small but influential country after the end of the Gaza war. In May, Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Sajid made it clear that the Emirates would not participate in any civil administration there or in any plans to "provide cover for Israel's presence in the Gaza Strip".
Following mediation by the US government, however, the Emirates now appear to be somewhat more willing to participate in a possible military operation to secure peace in Gaza. The special envoy of the Emirati Foreign Minister, Lana Nussaibah, hinted at this in a guest article for the "Financial Times" last month. As a first step towards ending the war, she wrote, a "temporary international operation is needed to respond to the humanitarian crisis, establish law and order, lay the foundations for governance and pave the way" for a united Gaza and West Bank under a legitimate Palestinian authority.
There had previously been speculation about the possible involvement of other Arab countries in securing Gaza militarily. Israel's army broadcaster has now reported that Israel has asked several states for such participation. However, Egypt, Morocco and the Emirates, among others, had refused, stating that they did not want to act as Israel's helpers or as an occupying power in the coastal area.
