The UAE’s Crucial Role in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Laiba Amir
5 min readNov 4, 2023

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The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a long-standing and complex issue with deep-rooted historical and political implications. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key player in the diplomatic landscape of the region, particularly in regard to its relationship with Israel and Palestine. The UAE has taken significant steps towards normalizing relations with Israel, raising questions about its role in the ongoing conflict. This article aims to analyze the diplomatic strategies employed by the UAE and shed light on its crucial role in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

To understand the current role of the UAE in the Israel-Hamas conflict, it is essential to delve into the historical background of the UAE-Israel relations. For decades, the relationship between the two countries was marked by animosity and non-recognition. However, in August 2020, the UAE announced its landmark decision to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, becoming the third Arab country to do so after Egypt and Jordan.

This historic agreement, known as the Abraham Accords, was a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the region. It not only normalized relations between the UAE and Israel but also opened the doors for subsequent normalization agreements with Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

The UAE’s decision to establish relations with Israel was met with a mix of praise, criticism, and skepticism. Supporters hailed it as a step towards peace and stability, while critics feared it would undermine the Palestinian cause and give legitimacy to the Israeli occupation.

Nonetheless, the UAE’s diplomatic strategy of engaging with Israel marked a shift in regional dynamics and positioned the country as a crucial player in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the next section, we will examine how the UAE has utilized its diplomatic ties and engagement to navigate the complex dynamics of this ongoing conflict.

The role of diplomacy in the Israel-Hamas conflict cannot be underestimated. The UAE has played a crucial part in utilizing its diplomatic ties to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict. Through its engagement with Israel, the UAE has sought to facilitate dialogue, encourage de-escalation, and promote peaceful resolutions.

One of the key aspects of the UAE’s diplomatic strategy is its emphasis on mediation. The country has acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, striving to bridge the gap and foster mutual understanding. Its diplomatic efforts have included hosting diplomatic meetings, facilitating talks, and providing a platform for dialogue.

Furthermore, the UAE has also utilized its influence to garner international support for peace initiatives. It has engaged with regional and international partners, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This has included participating in diplomatic summits, supporting United Nations resolutions, and coordinating with like-minded countries.

In the face of criticism, the UAE has remained committed to its diplomatic approach, asserting that dialogue and engagement are essential for achieving lasting peace. By leveraging its diplomatic ties, the UAE has significantly contributed to diplomatic efforts in resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the upcoming section, we will explore specific initiatives and actions taken by the UAE in pursuit of peace.

In this section, we will delve deeper into the diplomatic strategies and initiatives undertaken by the UAE in its pursuit of peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The UAE’s diplomacy has been characterized by a multifaceted approach aimed at promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Firstly, the UAE has actively worked towards building bridges between Israel and Hamas through direct engagement. It has facilitated diplomatic meetings and negotiations, providing a neutral platform for both parties to express their concerns and aspirations. By acting as a mediator, the UAE has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and bridging the gap between the conflicting parties.

Secondly, the UAE has played an important role in garnering international support for peace initiatives. It has proactively engaged with regional and international partners, highlighting the importance of resolving the conflict through peaceful means. Through participation in diplomatic summits and coordination with like-minded countries, the UAE has been a strong advocate for peaceful resolutions and a staunch supporter of United Nations resolutions pertaining to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Furthermore, the UAE’s diplomatic efforts have extended to offering humanitarian assistance to the affected populations. By providing aid and support to both Israelis and Palestinians, the UAE has demonstrated its commitment to alleviating the suffering caused by the conflict and building trust among the communities involved.

In the following section, we will explore specific diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the UAE and their impact on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The UAE’s active involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict resolution has yielded several significant benefits. Firstly, by acting as a mediator and providing a neutral platform for dialogue, the UAE has played a crucial role in fostering understanding between the conflicting parties. This has created an environment conducive to peaceful negotiations and increased the chances of a lasting resolution.

Secondly, the UAE’s efforts in garnering international support have had a positive impact on the conflict resolution process. By engaging with regional and international partners, the UAE has helped to build a broad coalition of countries advocating for peace. This unified approach not only strengthens the legitimacy of the peace initiatives but also increases the pressure on the conflicting parties to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Furthermore, the UAE’s provision of humanitarian aid to both Israelis and Palestinians has helped alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict. This act of goodwill has not only demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to the well-being of the affected populations but has also contributed to building trust and fostering a sense of unity among the communities involved.

In the next section, we will delve into specific diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the UAE and analyze their impact on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The UAE’s continued involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict reflects its commitment to shaping regional stability and peace. Throughout the conflict resolution process, the UAE has displayed remarkable diplomatic strategies and initiatives that have had a significant impact on the outcome.

One crucial aspect of the UAE’s involvement is its emphasis on building bridges between the parties involved. By facilitating direct talks and serving as a neutral intermediary, the UAE has effectively created an atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue and understanding. This approach has helped to break down barriers and foster a sense of trust between Israel and Hamas.

Moreover, the UAE’s efforts to garner international support have solidified its position as a key player in the conflict resolution process. By engaging with regional and international partners, the UAE has not only strengthened the legitimacy of its initiatives but also increased the pressure on all parties to actively seek a peaceful solution.

Additionally, the UAE’s provision of humanitarian aid to both Israelis and Palestinians has played a vital role in alleviating the suffering caused by the conflict. These acts of goodwill have not only provided essential support to those in need but have also sent a powerful message of compassion and unity.

It is undeniable that the UAE’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping regional stability and peace. By providing a neutral platform, garnering international support, and offering humanitarian aid, the UAE has demonstrated its ability to actively influence the conflict resolution process. Moving forward, we can expect the UAE to continue playing a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

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Laiba Amir
Laiba Amir

Written by Laiba Amir

UAE news and diplomacy through the eyes of an expat living in Dubai for 15 years.

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