Palestinian rights at center of UAE-Israel peace deal

Mustafa Kamel

The peace deal signed by the United Arab Emirates and Israel on August 13 is expected to serve the interests of the Palestinian people best.

This was why the deal was warmly welcomed by a large number of states. The same states viewed the deal as a diplomatic victory that boosts peace and security in the region.

The rights of the Palestinians took center stage in the deal. The UAE has always been one of the strongest backers of these rights.

The deal suspends Israel’s planned annexation of territories from the occupied West Bank. It also guarantees the rights of the Palestinians to hold their prayers inside the al-Aqsa Mosque.

The same deal ends a six-year negotiation stalemate and blows new life into the negotiating process on the road to reaching a just and comprehensive peace.

Deserved gains

The UAE was keen on serving the interests of the Palestinians through its peace deal with Israel.

The suspension of the planned annexation of West Bank territories rescues over 30% of this occupied territory. This also rescues the homes of over 112,000 Palestinians living in 43 villages in the areas Israel planned to annex.

Ending the stalemate

The deal also opens the door for the resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis. It allows all Muslims to enter the al-Aqsa Mosque.

The deal sends the message to Israel that more openness to Arabs and Muslims is better than the occupation of Arab land.

This revives peace hopes between the Palestinians and the Israelis. It also closes the door of violence and bloodshed in the region.

All this serves regional and international security.