After a significant diplomatic process, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have announced their official diplomatic relationship; This decision was met by condemnation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Iranians, as well as the Palestinians.
In what is a significant breakthrough on the global platform, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially normalized diplomatic relations, which was announced publicly on Thursday. Israel and the small Gulf State have been increasingly cooperating with one another over the last couple of years, which can be seen in the UAE’s decision to invite Israeli passport holders the 2020 Dubai Expo.
Additionally, Israel and the UAE have been working together in developing new methods to more efficiently combat COVID-19. As part of this new partnership, the two countries will share in trade, travel, tourism, and even technology.
The United States played no small role in this ‘peace deal’ that was heavily praised by President Donald Trump. He Tweeted, “HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!” Trump and the other two leaders each partook in the signing of the agreement.
Unfortunately, in what’s not a surprise, Turkey, Iran and the Palestinians have unanimously rejected the agreement. Minister of Social Affairs for the Palestinians, Ahmed Majdalani, complained, “We absolutely had no prior knowledge of this agreement. The timing and speed of reaching this agreement were surprising, especially that it came at a critical moment in the Palestinian struggle.”
Iran, upon rejecting the agreement, called it a “backstab to the backs of Muslims.”
Furthermore, Turkey has threatened to cut all ties with the UAE due to its decision to cooperate with the Jewish State. Like Iran, they see it as a betrayal to the Palestinian cause. Turkey’s foreign ministry stated, “History and the conscience of the region’s peoples will not forget and never forgive this hypocritical behavior of the UAE, betraying the Palestinian cause for the sake of its narrow interests.”
While the three entities might reject the agreement, the UAE’s decision further verifies the growing reality in the region – countries in the Middle East and Gulf Region are finding that diplomatic ties with Israel are far more beneficial than anything the Arab world has to offer.
