UAE-Israel deal bespeaks Abu Dhabi’s political wisdom

Mustafa Kamel

The United Arab Emirates has hammered out a historic deal with Israel, in the former’s pursuit to help the Palestinians get their freedoms back, end the occupation of their country and alleviate their suffering.

In the light of the deal, Israeli leaders pledged to suspend the annexation of the occupied West Bank. The deal is also a cornerstone of UAE foreign policy.

Since its founding, the UAE has been a prime backer of the Palestinians and the Palestinian cause.

Those closely following events in the Palestinian territories, can easily notice that the UAE was always the first country to reach its hands out to help the Palestinians in an effective and strong manner.

The UAE has revived the Palestinian cause by signing the deal with Israel. It is bringing it back to the regional and international arenas.

Abu Dhabi has just succeeded in convincing Tel Aviv to suspend its planned annexation of the occupied West Bank. This annexation would have sabotaged all peace hopes.

UAE pressures also succeeded in convincing Israel to open the door for a settlement of the status of al-Aqsa Mosque. The deal makes it necessary for Israel to keep opening the mosque for Palestinians and Muslims so that they can perform their prayers inside it.

This is a historic victory that adds up to the UAE’s backing of the Palestinian cause.

Most regional, international and Palestinian parties considered the deal a new breakthrough that is bringing the Palestinian cause back to the table, years after it was forgotten by everybody.

History is teaching us that Arab countries that are engaged with Israel, namely Egypt and Jordan, are most effective in helping the Palestinians.

These countries are capable of conducting direct talks with the Israelis who also want to maintain good relations with these neighboring states.

The UAE will become a useful addition to these relations, one that can open a new door for dialogue between Israel and the Arab Gulf region which enjoys strategic importance.