The United Arab Emirates has engaged in discussions with Israel and the United States regarding the potential establishment of a temporary administration for post-war Gaza. This arrangement would remain in place until a reformed Palestinian Authority is ready to assume control, as reported by sources familiar with the negotiations.

According to initial reports by Reuters, these confidential discussions have explored the possibility of the UAE, the United States, and other nations overseeing the governance, security, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the withdrawal of Israeli military forces. This interim governance would last until a Palestinian administration is prepared to take over, as indicated by multiple foreign diplomats and Western officials.

The UAE maintains a close security partnership with the United States and, unlike many other Arab nations, has established diplomatic relations with Israel. This unique position grants the Gulf state a degree of influence over the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite over a year of conflict, Israel has been hesitant to articulate its vision for Gaza, while the international community has faced challenges in developing a feasible plan, according to the sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

The diplomats and officials emphasized that the concepts arising from the UAE’s discussions are still in a preliminary stage, lacking detailed formulation or formal endorsement by any government. In these private talks, Abu Dhabi has been advocating for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem as part of an independent Palestinian state, a proposal that has faced public opposition from Israel.

The UAE has stated it will not engage in any initiatives that do not prioritize substantial reforms of the Palestinian Authority, its empowerment, and the creation of a viable roadmap towards a Palestinian state, according to a UAE official’s comments to Reuters regarding ongoing discussions. “These critical components, which are currently absent, are vital for the success of any plan following the situation in Gaza.”

The Palestinian Authority was formed three decades ago as part of the Oslo Accords signed between Israel and the Palestinians, granting it limited governance over the West Bank and Gaza. While it still maintains some authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, it was ousted from Gaza in 2007 by Hamas following a brief civil conflict.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department informed Reuters that discussions have taken place with various partners, including the UAE, regarding governance, security, and reconstruction options, with multiple draft proposals and ideas being presented. “These discussions are ongoing as we explore the most effective path forward,” the spokesperson noted, refraining from elaborating on “private diplomatic conversations.”

The Israeli prime minister’s office chose not to comment on this matter, and the Palestinian Authority did not respond to inquiries from Reuters. Furthermore, in addition to the proposed reforms for the PA, four diplomats and Western officials indicated that Emirati representatives had proposed the potential involvement of private military contractors as part of a peacekeeping force in Gaza post-conflict. Other sources corroborated that they were briefed on what they characterized as Emirati proposals for the post-war scenario, which included the consideration of such forces.

Diplomats and Western officials have indicated that the deployment of private military contractors would raise significant concerns among Western nations. These contractors, employed by the United States and other governments, have been accused of various serious offenses, including torture, human rights violations, and excessive use of force, particularly in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. The official from the UAE did not address inquiries regarding the utilization of military contractors.

RECONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE YEARS

The process of rebuilding Gaza, along with its political institutions, is anticipated to span several years and require an investment of tens of billions of dollars, necessitating considerable international assistance after 15 months of Israel’s extensive military operations.

Although the UAE has publicly criticized the actions of Israel’s military and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel still seeks the involvement of the oil-rich nation in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, as noted by two former Israeli officials who requested anonymity. Like Israel, the Gulf state is opposed to Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and was responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited the conflict.

Abu Dhabi perceives Hamas and similar Islamist groups as threats to stability. UAE officials have also voiced concerns about the war’s repercussions on regional stability and the progress towards enhanced regional integration and economic development.

Basem Naim, a senior official of Hamas, responded to inquiries about the UAE’s proposals by stating to Reuters that Gaza must emerge from the conflict as “distinctly Palestinian” and free from “foreign interventions.” Meanwhile, the United States, in collaboration with Egypt and Qatar, is advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In late December, both parties exchanged accusations regarding the delays in achieving a ceasefire, which had seemed imminent the previous month. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the desire for a ceasefire agreement to be finalized within the next two weeks.

Regarding Gaza’s future, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for Donald Trump’s transition team, indicated that the president-elect, set to take office on January 20, intends to collaborate closely with Arab and Israeli partners to facilitate Gaza’s potential prosperity.

REFORM OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

In terms of reforming the Palestinian Authority, the UAE has stated it would only deploy troops to a post-war multinational mission if invited by the Palestinian Authority and with U.S. involvement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed opposition to the current governance of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, citing longstanding concerns over its educational curriculum, which he claims incites animosity towards Israel, as well as its practice of providing salaries to families of Palestinians incarcerated in Israel. Emirati officials have called for a new prime minister to lead the Palestinian Authority, frequently criticizing its perceived corruption and ineffectiveness during private discussions, although specific details were not disclosed.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who assumed office in March, has committed to enacting reforms within the Palestinian Authority, which has faced financial instability for years due to reduced funding from donor nations until issues of corruption and mismanagement are addressed.

Emirati officials have identified former prime minister Salam Fayyad, a U.S.-educated ex-World Bank official, as a credible candidate to lead a reformed Palestinian Authority, according to various diplomats and officials. Fayyad held the position of prime minister from 2007 until his resignation in 2013 following a disagreement with President Mahmoud Abbas, who continues to serve in his role. Reuters has been unable to obtain a comment from Fayyad.