The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made it abundantly clear: it stands firmly opposed to all attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands. This strong assertion came after the Extraordinary Arab Summit held recently in Cairo, where the UAE reiterated its condemnation of the persistent violence and illegal actions carried out by Israel against Palestinians, particularly focusing on the occupied West Bank.
Following the summit, the UAE denounced not just the violence, but also what it described as provocative statements targeting the Palestinian people, especially remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister concerning the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi Arabian territory. Such comments have been labeled unacceptable by the UAE, which highlighted the importance of adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
"We call on the international community to take responsibility to halt continuous Israeli violations occurring within the occupied Palestinian territories," the UAE stated emphatically. They underscored how recent months have been marked by unprecedented death and destruction within Gaza, illustrating the clear failure of temporary solutions to resolve the long-standing crisis.
The UAE emphasized conclusively, returning to the state of affairs prior to October 7, 2023, is neither viable nor acceptable. A sustainable plan is necessary - one which includes not just immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza but also addresses the political dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UAE’s position is clear: efforts to stabilize and rebuild Gaza cannot move forward without achieving some form of political resolution. It firmly rejected any notion of displacing Gaza’s residents, insisting the territory should not remain without a competent Palestinian national authority capable of establishing security, stability, and the rule of law.
The UAE declared, "There is immense importance in mobilizing Arab, regional, and international efforts to establish this sustainable solution, which will secure stability and prosperity for the region and fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
Interestingly, this stance is juxtaposed against the backdrop of recent developments concerning Hamas. Reports from Gaza detail the somber return of remains belonging to the Bibas family, among the 251 individuals taken on October 7, 2023, by Hamas during its attacks. At the same time, just three hours away, the UAE held The International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance conference, signaling hope and advocating for peace.
This conference, hosted by the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance, aimed to bring together diverse voices, including many young Israeli leaders, for frank discussions about the region's future. Opening the conference was the UAE's Tolerance and Coexistence Minister, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, framing the need for dialogues of shared humanity amid harrowing scenes emanated from Gaza.
That imagery was stark; the Bibas family’s misfortunes have become emblematic of the extensive trauma experienced not only by Israelis but by those impacted by the conflict. The pictures of Shiri Bibas cradling her children during their abduction are burned vividly within the public consciousness as symbols of both the conflict’s brutality and its far-reaching effects.
Contrasting sharply with the situation in Gaza, attendees at the conference were engaged with themes of tolerance and coexistence. The discussions underscored the urgent need to shift paradigms from one of conflict to one of collaboration. Imams, intellectuals, and Arab influencers took to the stage to condemn Hamas, emphasizing the necessity for peace by focusing on building rather than destroying.
Participants were struck by the transformation they witnessed. Statements from military reservists visiting Abu Dhabi succinctly captured their astonishment: “This looks like Gaza City before the war,” they reflected. This observation starkly contrasts with the current devastation, where the people of Gaza are caught within the stranglehold of perpetuated violence and revenge, driven by ideologies rooted deeply within resistance against oppression.
Yet, the UAE continues to assert the potential for harmony, advocating for what has been termed as the new Arabic and Islamic renaissance, stepping away from the destructive paths taken by some factions within the region. “Defe defeating Hamas and its fellow ‘destroyers’ is significantly important,” remarked one of the attendees, emphasizing the collective effort required on Israel's part, backed by allied nations centered around developing comprehensive solutions for sustainable peace.
The conference was not just another diplomatic exercise; it stood as proof of the belief among some leaders and youth within the region, who visualized and felt optimistic about the path forward. Their hospitality and willingness to engage highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering dialogue and laying stepping stones toward potential collaborative futures.
Efforts toward national unity were echoed frequently throughout this conference, with strong recognition of the roles young leaders of both Israeli and Arab backgrounds can play together to redefine their narratives and futures bound not by the struggle but by mutual growth and respect.
The juxtaposition presented between the lively interactions at the conference and the grim realities of Gaza is telling, shedding light on the drastic difference between those seeking resolution and those perpetuating violence. To what extent this dialogue can influence lasting change remains to be seen; the struggles within Gaza continue to weave pain and suffering through its narrative, complicity often only deepens.
There exists hope, elicited through meetings such as the one held recently. Yet, as the region remains divided, the commitments to peace, equality, and co-existence will need continuous and dedicated efforts on all sides, particularly driving governance and stability through legitimate leadership.
Through the lens of both compassion and pragmatism, the UAE’s push for tangible outcomes—calling for both local and international engagement, is needed urgently. Whether these aspirations will take root, transforming discussions of tolerance and coexistence from mere politeness to concrete actions remains imperative for the countless lives affected by this relentless conflict.