Oct 11 – On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly criticized the actions carried out by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas against Israeli towns, labeling them a “serious and grave escalation.” The UAE’s foreign ministry also expressed deep concern about reports of Israeli civilians being abducted from their homes, describing such actions as “appalling.”
The ministry emphasized the importance of affording full protection to civilians on both sides in accordance with international humanitarian law and stressed that civilians should never be targeted in conflicts.
Notably, the UAE made history in 2020 by becoming the first Gulf nation to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, departing from the traditional Arab stance on the Palestinian issue. The UAE’s condemnation of the Hamas attacks holds significant implications, shedding light on the evolving dynamics in the Middle East. In recent years, the UAE and Israel have quietly aligned their interests, driven by shared concerns about common regional threats. The UAE’s vocal support for Israel in the current crisis highlights this growing convergence.
Furthermore, the UAE’s response underscores its emerging role as a prominent player in the Middle East. Despite traditionally maintaining a low profile in international affairs, the UAE’s denouncement of the Hamas attacks signals its willingness to take a stance on contentious issues and actively shape regional dynamics.