What it is about
A senior Emirati official has indicated that Abu Dhabi is willing to contribute troops to a post-war peacekeeping mission in Gaza, marking the United Arab Emirates as the first Arab nation to publicly support this initiative, which is being advanced by the Biden administration.
Why it matters
This move highlights a growing recognition among key Arab states of the necessity for international intervention to establish peace and stability in Gaza. The involvement of UAE could pave the way for greater regional cooperation and also reinforce efforts to counteract Hamas, ensuring a more secure environment for both Gazans and Israelis.
Details
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s special envoy, wrote an op-ed in the Financial Times calling for the establishment of a “temporary international mission” in Gaza. This mission aims to address the humanitarian crisis, ensure law and order, lay the groundwork for new governance, and help reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a legitimate Palestinian Authority (PA).
The United States is spearheading the recruitment of countries for this mission, with the objective of reinstalling the PA as Gaza’s ruling authority while allowing time for necessary reforms.
The US Perspective
The Biden administration faces challenges convincing Arab allies to participate, primarily because these allies want the peacekeeping force to lead to a two-state solution—a position that is at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current stance.
Nonetheless, countries like the UAE and Egypt have privately expressed willingness to be part of the initiative. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been active in this diplomatic effort, indicating that UAE and Egypt may join the mission.
The UAE’s Perspective
In an interview with FT, Nusseibeh stated that UAE could consider joining the stabilization forces alongside Arab and international partners. This force, however, would operate only at the invitation of a reformed PA or a PA led by a new, empowered Prime Minister.
Concerns and Conditions
The UAE emphasizes the need for strong US leadership, a reformed PA, and a clear roadmap for reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a single government. They also call for commitment to Palestinian statehood through negotiations.
Israeli Role
For the peacekeeping mission to succeed, Nusseibeh emphasized that Israel must also contribute. This includes lifting the blockade on Gaza and allowing the legitimate PA to take control. Additionally, efforts will falter if settlement construction and violence in the West Bank rise.
UN Involvement
The envisioned stabilization force by the UAE would not replace the United Nations or its agencies on the ground. UAE insists that UNRWA, the agency for Palestinian refugees, should continue its operations in Gaza, marking a divergence from Israel’s goal to stop the agency’s activities.
US Commitment
Blinken has assured Middle Eastern counterparts that the US will help establish and train the security force for Gaza, but it will have a temporary mandate with the eventual goal of a full Palestinian takeover.
Future Plans
The US, in collaboration with its partners, plans to initiate measures for post-war governance, security, and reconstruction in Gaza. While the US will provide oversight, no American troops will be deployed.
Broader Coalition
The US is garnering international support for the postwar stabilization effort, engaging countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Turkey, and Indonesia. This initiative aims at creating a broad-based coalition to ensure the successful stabilization and rebuilding of Gaza.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.