UAE-Israel deal a groundbreaking turnaround

The peace deals between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel are watershed moments and mark a distinct change in political attitudes.

The agreement with UAE highlights the fact that where there is despair, hope can prevail, and where there is conflict, peace. It establishes a clear change in the heart of the Middle East, a change that will send hope around the world.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said during the signing of the UAE-Israel peace pact on Tuesday, “We are witnessing today a new trend that will create a better path for the Middle East.” Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC has affirmed that the UAE- Israel peace accord is a historic step towards reviving the process of peace in the Middle East, and will guarantee the region’s security and stability.

The normalisation of ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel is a historic diplomatic breakthrough and a hopeful sign that progress in the Middle East is possible.

The agreement is a historic achievement for the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.

Every option other than peace would signify the road to perdition. The new vision is not a slogan for political gain. Critics may see the pact as a stunt by President Trump to boost his fortunes at the hustings in November. That does not dim the view that peaceful coexistence is the utter need of the hour. Gulf states must participate directly in any dialogue and the agenda must be comprehensive.

For decades, relations between Arab countries and Israel have been marked by hatred and conflict. Israel was a no-go area, particularly where any kind of rapprochement was concerned. Several wars have tarred ties; hope for a lasting peace seemed as elusive as ever.

Now, decades of distrust and violence can now be given the go-by.

The agreement sees a halt to the annexation of the Palestinian territories, a decision that is going to have an impact on generations to come.

In a commentary published on Tuesday by Wall Street Journal, Sheikh Abdullah said the progress on Palestinian statehood is also central. “The UAE-Israel accord stopped annexation. The Palestinian leadership should use this moment to reorganise its approach and prepare to re-engage in productive discussions. As always, they will have the UAE’s full support, now carried with more weight directly to Israel. The pace and scope of normalisation won’t be disconnected from progress on Palestinian statehood and rights.” Two weeks ago, the first Israeli commercial flight landed in Abu Dhabi from Tel Aviv. Along with a large delegation of Israeli officials and media, it carried a bigger message, written in 2-foot-high letters in three languages on the side of the El Al aircraft: Peace. Shalom. Salaam.

The signing of the peace pact is a reminder that Emiratis and Israelis, and all the people of the Middle East, are tired of conflict. The priority now is to continue to modernise our societies and to stabilise the broader region.

Perpetual resistance and sectarian extremism have delivered a deadly and decades-long pandemic of chaos and strife. At a time when the world is reeling under the debilitating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the United Arab Emirates has reinforced its humanitarian commitments.

The umbrella of all-encompassing communal harmony in the UAE provides shelter from the rain of sectarian hatred prevalent elsewhere. The UAE is committed to the true tenets of Islam, moderation, inclusion and peace. It hosted the first ever visit of the Pope to the Arabian Peninsula last year. It is building an interfaith Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, with a mosque, church and synagogue in the same complex. It has even launched a probe to Mars.

The UAE and Israel must use their advanced economies and infrastructure, large markets, investment funds, educational institutions and human capital to ensure that Jordanians, Egyptians, Palestinians, and others benefit.