The UAE is cultivating a strategic partnership with Israel while publicly supporting Palestinian statehood. Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba’s remarks indicate a deeper agenda concerning Gaza’s future, reflecting the UAE’s dual approach in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strategically navigating its role in the Israel-Hamas conflict by developing a partnership with Israel while publicly advocating for Palestinian statehood. Historian Jean-Pierre Filiu highlights how the UAE’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza aim to align with Arab consensus while masking deeper intentions.
In a striking statement made in Dubai, Yousef Al-Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the United States, indicated that there is “really no alternative” to transforming the Gaza Strip into a luxury destination, reflecting the UAE’s ambitions post-conflict. His long tenure since 2008 has enabled him to solidify relationships with U.S. leaders and lead significant diplomatic negotiations, such as those resulting in the Abraham Accords.
Al-Otaiba maintains close ties with UAE leadership, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Foreign Minister Abdallah bin Zayed. His comments concerning Gaza represent not mere speculation but a conscious strategy of the UAE, even as the nation appears to conform to broader Arab expectations, pledging support for a Palestinian state during recent summits.
The United Arab Emirates’ dual approach in the Israel-Hamas conflict reveals a complex strategy of fostering ties with Israel while purportedly supporting Palestinian aspirations. Through significant diplomatic maneuvers, the UAE seeks to balance its ambitions with regional expectations, continuing to navigate a challenging geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
