The United Arab Emirates has been in discussions with Israel and the United States about participating in a provisional administration for post-war Gaza, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The proposed plan involves the UAE, the United States and other nations temporarily overseeing Gaza’s governance, security and reconstruction after an Israeli military withdrawal, until a reformed Palestinian Authority can take over.
As a close U.S. partner and signatory to the 2021 Abraham Accords, Abu Dhabi maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, which officials and diplomats suggest could give the Gulf state some influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A UAE official emphasized the importance of significant reforms to the Palestinian Authority as a prerequisite for any plan.
“The UAE will not participate in any plan that fails to include significant reform of the Palestinian Authority, its empowerment, and the establishment of a credible roadmap toward a Palestinian state,” the official told Reuters. “These elements—which are currently lacking—are essential for the success of any post-Gaza plan,” they added.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed discussions with multiple partners, including the UAE, about governance, security and reconstruction in Gaza. “These have been deliberative discussions that are ongoing as we work to determine the best path forward,” the spokesperson said, declining to comment on “private diplomatic conversations.”
