UAE’s deepening focus on humanitarian crises in Gaza, ceasefire efforts and post-conflict scenario

The foreign ministers of the UAE and Israel recently met in the Gulf nation to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and regional and international efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire. The UAE has deepened its focus on post-conflict stabilisation in Gaza.

The Emirati team and those from Israel and the US are discussing about a post-conflict scenario in Gaza. Reuters reported the behind-the-scenes discussions for the first time, including the statements from a dozen of foreign diplomats and officials.

The talks included the possibility of the UAE and US, in addition to other countries, temporarily overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza after the Israeli military leaves and until a Palestinian administration is able to take control.

UAE deepening focus on reconstruction of Gaza

The UAE is a close security partner of the US. The Gulf state and Israel also share diplomatic relations, unlike many countries in the region, offering the Emirati team some leverage over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, the officials said.

In the behind-the-scenes discussions held recently, the UAE is advocating for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take control of Gaza’s governance under an independent Palestinian state – something that Israel has publicly opposed.

The reconstruction of Gaza, including its political institutions, is expected to take years and cost tens of billions of dollars, requiring substantial international support. The brutal Israel-Hamas fighting has been exacerbating the Middle East crisis.

UAE’s notable humanitarian efforts in Gaza

The US, alongside mediators Qatar and Egypt, is pushing for a Gaza ceasefire. On Tuesday, Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that discussions aimed at cementing a truce deal are in progressed and that both Israel and Hamas are part of “technical meetings”.

It had been reported earlier last month that the UAE’s total support for Gaza has already reached $828 million. International officials from UN humanitarian organisations are hailing the country’s generous support in addressing the dire conditions faced by Palestinians.

The UAE is one of the first countries to start responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Gulf state has already contributed $11 million to food security, besides contributing at least $18 million to support the fragile healthcare sector in Gaza.