Discussions have been ongoing regarding the potential involvement of the United Arab Emirates in the postwar reconstruction of Gaza. However, as of now, the UAE’s conditions for participation have not been met, as per a UAE official speaking to CNN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mentioned the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other nations as potential partners in managing the region post-war. Nevertheless, the UAE had previously stated its refusal to be part of any plan supporting Israeli presence in Gaza.
The UAE official informed CNN that while informal talks have been happening, the parties involved have not aligned with the UAE’s prerequisites for its engagement in postwar efforts in Gaza. These preconditions include a formal invitation from a new, credible, independent Palestinian Authority (PA) prime minister, a significant reform process within the PA, an explicit commitment to the two-state solution from Israel, and a prominent role played by the US.
The UAE has been vocal about the need for reforms within the PA, known for its corruption issues, and has called for leadership changes. Mohammed Mustafa took over as the PA’s prime minister in March, succeeding Mohammed Shtayyeh. Israeli officials have rejected the idea of the West Bank-based PA being involved in postwar Gaza.
Reports have indicated that private military contractors could be suggested by UAE officials for a peacekeeping force in Gaza, although the UAE official speaking to CNN denied this claim. Recent discussions between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Abu Dhabi focused on regional developments, bilateral relations, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and efforts for a sustainable ceasefire.
The UAE, under the 2020 Abraham Accords, normalized relations with Israel and has sustained these ties during the Gaza conflict. Amidst ongoing discussions surrounding Gaza’s future governance, Israeli attacks continue to devastate the region. Numerous casualties were reported in Gaza on Tuesday, with residents struggling to cope with the destruction caused by the attacks.
A woman recounted a harrowing experience where a concrete slab fell on her, causing her to cry out for help as blood streamed from her forehead. She was eventually taken to the hospital and received three stitches to address her injuries. The woman, pointing to the destruction surrounding her, emphasized the immobility imposed by the heavy rubble that left her trapped.
The evening brought tragedy as Israeli strikes in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, resulted in the loss of at least 18 lives, including eight children, as reported by Nasser Hospital. Subsequent strikes claimed the life of at least one child, as confirmed by the Kuwait Specialized Hospital. In a separate incident in the north, five individuals perished when a family home in Jabalya was struck, according to Mahmoud Basal, Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson. Additionally, five more casualties were reported in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood south of Gaza City later that Tuesday night, as stated by the civil defense.
In response to these events, the Israeli military indicated that their actions in Khan Younis were targeted at militants involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks, asserting measures were taken to minimize harm to civilians. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for further comment regarding the other strikes.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the ongoing Israeli assaults have resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 45,885 individuals since October 7, 2023, up to Tuesday. The ministry reiterated the significant strain placed on Gaza’s hospitals, highlighting critical shortages in essential supplies such as oxygen stations, medication storage facilities, and fuel for generators.
Contributions to this report were made by Mohammad Al Sawalhi, Abeer Salman, Kareem Khadder, Lauren Izso, and Hira Humayun. An earlier version of the story incorrectly attributed discussions to the UAE official involving the US and Israel in the lead. This error has been rectified.
For additional CNN updates and newsletters, a CNN.com account can be created.
