Will not support Israel’s post-war Gaza plans without Palestinian state: UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ foreign minister stated on Saturday that the UAE would not back any Israeli post-war plans for Gaza that do not include the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

“The United Arab Emirates is not ready to support the day after the war in Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The statement came in response to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's post-war plan for Gaza, which would involve Israeli occupation and the supervision of a coalition of Arab states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, and Morocco.

According to the three-stage plan, Palestinians would experience "unparalleled prosperity" through investments in ports, solar energy, electric car manufacturing, and natural gas fields, beginning after an unspecified “victory date” and lasting until 2035.

Al Nahyan said Netanyahu "lacked legitimate authority to implement such measures" and confirmed that the UAE had not been consulted about the plans.

“Additionally, the UAE refuses to participate in any plan aimed at legitimizing Israel’s presence in Gaza,” a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. “Once a Palestinian government is formed that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people, with integrity, competence, and independence, the UAE will fully support that government.”

Prominent Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash reiterated the UAE’s commitment to a two-state solution in a separate post on X.

“His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed’s statement that the UAE is not prepared to support the day after the war in Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state reflects our firm and steadfast position in supporting our Palestinian brothers and our conviction that there is no stability in the region except through a two-state solution,” the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President wrote.

“The UAE will stand by the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.”

In July, the UAE proposed a “temporary international mission” as a post-war solution to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said the mission should begin with an invitation from the Palestinian government and emphasized the eventual reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under an independent Palestinian authority.