UAE Ready to Join Gaza Force Amid Israel’s Retribution Campaign

UAE Ready to Join Gaza Force Amid Israel’s Retribution Campaign

UAE’s Declaration of Readiness

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially declared its readiness to contribute troops to a multinational “stabilisation” mission in Gaza. This marks a significant development as the UAE becomes the first nation to announce such an intention. This decision, reported by the Financial Times, reflects the UAE’s proactive stance in addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza.

Criticism of Israel’s Military Campaign

The UAE’s announcement comes against a backdrop of criticism of Israel’s current military campaign in Gaza. Critics argue that Israel’s actions are driven by retribution rather than clear strategic goals. The ongoing campaign is perceived as lacking a well-defined plan beyond the mass killing of Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and raising international concern.

Conditions for UAE’s Participation

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Special Envoy to the Foreign Ministry, outlined the conditions under which the UAE would contribute troops. According to Nusseibeh, the UAE’s participation depends on several factors. Firstly, the mission must be led by the United States. Secondly, the US must support steps towards establishing a Palestinian State. Nusseibeh stated, “The UAE could consider being part of the stabilisation forces alongside Arab and international partners,” but only “at the invitation of a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA), or a PA led by an empowered prime minister.” She emphasized that “The United States should have the lead on this for it to succeed.”

Current Strategic Deadlock

Israel faces a strategic deadlock, having failed to decisively defeat Hamas. Critics had warned that the campaign, driven by vengeance, lacked clear political objectives. The situation has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with Israel continuing its military operations and further escalating the suffering of Palestinian civilians.

Details of the Multinational Force

The specifics of the multinational force, including whether it will be military or police in nature, are still under discussion. The United States has been advocating for Arab states to join the force as part of its post-war strategy, but it does not plan to deploy American troops. Egypt and Morocco have been mentioned as potential contributors. Additionally, the Arab League has called for a UN peacekeeping mission in Gaza and the West Bank until a Palestinian State is established. The feasibility of deploying such a force remains uncertain and depends on evolving conflict dynamics and international cooperation.

Challenges and Israeli Opposition

The establishment of a multinational force faces several challenges. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed the creation of a Palestinian State and any significant role for the PA in Gaza. Netanyahu insists that Israel must retain overall security control, complicating efforts to deploy an international force without Israeli cooperation.

The UAE’s willingness to join a stabilisation mission in Gaza represents a critical step in addressing the ongoing crisis. This development highlights the need for effective international intervention to stabilize the region and address the humanitarian issues arising from the conflict. The situation remains complex, with challenges related to implementing a multinational force, ongoing Israeli opposition, and the necessity for clear political objectives. The UAE’s role could be pivotal in shaping the future direction of efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and ensure regional stability.