UAE Engages with US and Israel on Post-War Governance Plans for Gaza
DUBAI, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has held discussions with Israel and the United States regarding participation in a temporary administration for post-war Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can assume control, according to sources familiar with the talks.
These private discussions, reported by Reuters for the first time, explored the possibility of the UAE, the U.S., and other nations temporarily managing governance, security, and reconstruction in Gaza after an Israeli military withdrawal. A dozen diplomats and Western officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that while the UAE is a key security partner of the U.S. and maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, unlike most Arab states, no formal plan has yet emerged.
The sources stated that Abu Dhabi has advocated for a reformed PA to govern Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem within the framework of an independent Palestinian state—an idea opposed by Israel. A UAE official emphasized that their participation would require significant PA reforms, its empowerment, and a roadmap toward statehood. "These elements—which are currently lacking—are essential for the success of any post-Gaza plan," the official told Reuters.
The PA, established under the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords, has limited authority in the West Bank and Gaza. However, it lost control of Gaza in 2007 after a brief civil war with Hamas. According to the sources, the UAE has proposed reforms to the PA as part of any post-war governance plan.
Additionally, four diplomats and officials disclosed that Emirati discussions included deploying private military contractors as part of a peacekeeping force in Gaza. This proposal raised concerns among Western nations due to past accusations of human rights violations against contractors in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The U.S. State Department confirmed ongoing discussions with partners, including the UAE, about governance and reconstruction options, noting that various ideas and drafts are under consideration. The Israeli Prime Minister's office declined to comment, while the PA did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.
The UAE official did not address questions regarding the use of military contractors in these proposals.
The reconstruction process will span several years.
Rebuilding Gaza, including its political structures, is expected to take years and cost tens of billions of dollars, necessitating significant international aid after 15 months of Israel's extensive military campaign.
Although the UAE has criticized Israel's military actions and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel reportedly seeks the involvement of the oil-rich nation in post-war Gaza, according to two former Israeli officials who spoke anonymously. Both Israel and the UAE share a stance against Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited the conflict.
Abu Dhabi perceives Hamas and other Islamist groups as destabilizing elements. UAE officials have also publicly voiced concerns about the war’s impact on Middle Eastern stability and on efforts to enhance regional integration and economic growth.
When asked if Hamas was aware of proposals discussed by the UAE, Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters that Gaza’s future must be "distinctly Palestinian" and free from "foreign interventions."
Meanwhile, the U.S., alongside mediators Egypt and Qatar, is advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, both parties blamed each other in late December for delays, despite recent indications of progress. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement within two weeks.
Looking ahead, Brian Hughes, a spokesman for Donald Trump's transition team, stated that the incoming U.S. administration, set to take office on January 20, would collaborate closely with Arab and Israeli partners to foster conditions for Gaza's eventual prosperity.
REFORM OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
The Gulf state has stated that it would only deploy troops as part of a post-war multinational mission if invited by the Palestinian Authority and with U.S. involvement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza in its current form. He has criticized the PA for its school curriculum, which he claims incites hatred against Israel, and its policy of paying salaries to families of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The UAE has called for new leadership within the Palestinian Authority, citing concerns over corruption and ineffectiveness, as reported by diplomats and officials involved in private discussions. Although specifics were not provided, the UAE has frequently criticized the PA’s governance.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who assumed office in March, has committed to implementing reforms to address long-standing financial mismanagement within the PA. These issues have worsened as donor countries reduced funding, demanding action against corruption and waste.
Emirati officials have suggested that a leader like former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad—a U.S.-educated former World Bank official—would bring credibility to a restructured Palestinian Authority, according to diplomats and officials.