The UAE is in talks with the US and Israel on provisional governance for Gaza after the war. These discussions include potential oversight of governance and security until a reformed Palestinian Authority is established. The UAE emphasizes the need for significant reform of the PA, with possible private military involvement, to ensure success in rebuilding Gaza. The reconstruction will be financially burdensome and requires substantial international cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is engaged in discussions with the United States and Israel regarding a potential provisional governance structure for post-war Gaza. These talks, revealed by Reuters, propose that the UAE, alongside other nations, would oversee the governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza after an eventual Israeli military withdrawal. The UAE’s involvement stems from its unique diplomatic ties with Israel and its strategic partnership with the US, thus providing it with leverage in negotiations with Israeli leadership.
The discussions reflect a broader international concern for the governance landscape in Gaza. Amidst ongoing conflicts, Israel’s hesitation to present a clear future vision for Gaza complicates the situation. Although proposals are preliminary and lack formal confirmation, the UAE endorses a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza and surrounding areas, an idea that Israel has publicly rejected due to longstanding grievances against the PA.
Furthermore, Emirati officials have suggested the establishment of a peacekeeping force in Gaza potentially comprising private military contractors, a contentious proposal given past accusations of human rights abuses associated with such personnel. The UAE maintains that any future action must include significant reform of the Palestinian Authority to ensure a successful governance transition. This follows an acknowledgment of the PA’s long-standing challenges since its establishment under the Oslo Accords, particularly after its loss of control in Gaza to Hamas in 2007.
Reconstruction of Gaza is projected to be a significant endeavor, potentially exceeding tens of billions of dollars, emphasizing the need for substantial international support to restore political institutions disrupted by the conflict. The UAE’s criticisms of Israel’s military conduct contrast with its efforts to engage in a constructive post-war role, particularly given mutual opposition to Hamas.
The US, alongside Egypt and Qatar, is advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while pushing forward discussions about Gaza’s governance and economic future. Talks about the Palestinian Authority’s necessary reforms, including the potential for leadership change, reflect a consensus among various international stakeholders about revamping governance structures to establish a credible administration capable of promoting stability in Gaza and the wider region.
The discussions surrounding the post-war governance of Gaza come in the wake of heightened conflicts between Israel and Hamas, particularly following the October 7 attacks that escalated military operations. The UAE’s assertive involvement is notable given its strategic partnerships with both the US and Israel, enabling it to mediate effectively in a region marked by long-standing disputes. The Palestinian Authority, established under the Oslo Accords, faces significant challenges and criticism regarding its governance and functionality, leaving a power vacuum that complicates future prospects for stability and peace in Gaza. The necessity for comprehensive reform of the PA is echoed in the calls for a better-structured political entity to facilitate reconstruction and community rebuilding.
The UAE is taking significant steps to engage in the post-war governance framework for Gaza, emphasizing the need for a reformed Palestinian Authority and strategic international oversight. While discussions are still in preliminary stages, they signal a pivotal moment for potential governance restructuring in the region. The complexities surrounding the PA’s future, alongside concerns over military contracting and international support for reconstruction, present both challenges and opportunities in establishing a stable environment in post-war Gaza. Effective collaboration and reform will be essential to navigate the intricate political landscape and foster lasting peace.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
