The UAE has become increasingly critical of Israel's handling of the Gaza war. Having normalized ties with Israel in 2020 through the Abraham Accords, the UAE now expresses frustration over the prolonged conflict and rising casualties.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently stated that the UAE would not support Gaza's reconstruction without the establishment of a Palestinian state. This post on X (formerly Twitter) garnered significant attention and was seen as a clear sign of dissatisfaction with both Israel and the U.S.
Saudi Arabia shares this sentiment. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that the kingdom would not normalize relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital is established.
The UAE's growing impatience with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government reflects its stance on Israel's actions, including recent moves to build a synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This issue has been central to UAE-Jordan discussions, as Jordan manages Jerusalem's holy sites.
While the UAE hasn't played a direct role in cease-fire negotiations, it has focused on humanitarian efforts, evacuating and hosting wounded Palestinians. Some experts suggest that if cease-fire talks succeed, the UAE may take on a larger role in post-conflict rebuilding. However, Israel continues its military operations, making discussions about Gaza's future seem premature given the scale of destruction.
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