Israeli conflict: Experts pin hope on UAE’s good offices

  • Date: 12-May-2021
  • Source: Khaleej Times
  • Sector:Economy
  • Country:UAE
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Israeli conflict: Experts pin hope on UAE’s good offices

Experts are pinning hope that the UAE could use its diplomatic might and new-found friendship with Israel to end the spiralling conflict with Palestine that has claimed more than 50 lives and injured hundreds. Pinning the blame on Israel for its disproportionate retaliation, Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, professor of political science at the UAE University, said the current tension will be a litmus test for the Abraham Accords – the US-negotiated peace deal that normalised ties between the UAE and Israel in September 2020. “We can see how the UAE and other Arab nations will leverage their new friendship to de-escalate the situation. It is the biggest test for the Abraham Accords on whether it can put the Israeli aggression on a leash,” said Prof Abdulla. However, the Emirati professor said the UAE’s overwhelming support for Palestinians, despite its friendship with Israel, gives hope that the Palestinian cause remains the Arab world’s top priority. “The normalising of relations with Israel has not deterred the UAE from throwing its full weight behind the Palestinian cause.” He said Israelis have gone too far with their “land grabbing” and depriving Palestinians of their rights, as guaranteed by international law. “They have the right to