Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is engaged in discussions with Israel and the United States about participating in a temporary governance structure for post-war Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can assume control, Reuters has reported.
According to sources familiar with the talks, the discussions include the UAE, the US, and other nations overseeing governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza after an Israeli military withdrawal. However, these ideas remain informal and lack detailed written plans or government approval.
“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,” a UAE official told Reuters.
UAE’s Preconditions for Involvement
The UAE has called for substantial reform within the PA, including changes to its leadership, which it has criticized as corrupt and inefficient. The Gulf state advocates for an independent Palestinian state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, a proposal that Israel opposes.
Emirati officials have suggested former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, a US-educated economist, as a credible candidate to lead a revamped PA. Current PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who took office in March, has pledged reforms amid financial instability caused by reduced donor funding.
Discussions on Peacekeeping
The talks have also explored the use of private military contractors as part of a post-war peacekeeping force in Gaza. While details are scarce, such a proposal has raised concerns among Western nations due to past controversies surrounding private military contractors. The UAE official did not comment on this aspect of the discussions.
Later a UAE official, speaking to CNN, emphasized that their involvement hinges on specific requirements. “Our preconditions include a formal invitation from a new, credible, independent Palestinian Authority prime minister, a serious reform process within the PA, an explicit commitment to the two-state solution from Israel, and a clear leadership role for the United States,” the official said.
“There is no alignment yet with these preconditions, which are essential for any meaningful role the UAE might play,” the official added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other nations could assist in governing Gaza after the war. However, the UAE reiterated its stance against legitimizing Israeli control over Gaza. “We will not be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for an Israeli presence in Gaza,” the official told CNN.
Reports suggesting that UAE officials proposed the use of private military contractors for peacekeeping in Gaza were also refuted. “Such claims are baseless and do not reflect our approach to peace and security in the region,” the official clarified.
Reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and political institutions is expected to take years and require significant international funding, potentially costing tens of billions of dollars.
While critical of Israeli military actions and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, the UAE shares Israel’s opposition to Hamas, which it views as destabilizing. The Gulf state has also expressed concerns over the conflict’s impact on regional stability and economic integration efforts.
Efforts to achieve a ceasefire are ongoing, with the US, Egypt, and Qatar mediating between Israel and Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement within the next two weeks.