UAE Tells U.S.' Rubio It Opposes Palestinian Displacement
In a recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a clear statement rejecting the proposal to displace Palestinians from their land. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion to take over Gaza and relocate Palestinian inhabitants to Jordan and Egypt. The plan has faced strong opposition from both Arab countries and Western allies.
UAE's Stance on Gaza and the Two-State Solution
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of linking Gaza's reconstruction to a broader peace process. His comments underlined the UAE's commitment to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The UAE's stance is especially notable as it is one of the four Arab nations that normalized relations with Israel under the Trump administration. Additionally, the UAE has played a significant role in financing reconstruction efforts in Gaza following previous conflicts.
Arab Diplomacy and Alternative Solutions for Gaza
The UAE's rejection of the U.S. proposal is part of a wider Arab diplomatic effort to find an alternative to Trump's plan. Gaza, largely in ruins after Israel's military campaign against Hamas, has left nearly all of its 2.3 million residents homeless. Arab leaders, including those from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar, are set to meet in Riyadh later this month to discuss potential solutions before presenting a unified plan at the Arab League summit in Cairo in March.
UAE’s Commitment to Palestinian Rights
The UAE's rejection of the displacement proposal highlights its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. With continued diplomatic efforts from Arab nations, the hope for a lasting peace remains strong, centered on the two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.