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New York: While all Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, denounced it, the “historic” peace deal between Israel and United Arab Emirates, brokered by US President Donald Trump was hailed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that this was something that he had consistently called for.
The joint statement by United States President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, suspends Israeli annexation plans over parts of the occupied West Bank.
Annexation would effectively close the door for a renewal of negotiations and destroy the prospect of a viable Palestinian State and the two-State solution. Guterres welcomed this agreement, called “Abraham Agreement”, hoping it will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realize a two State-solution in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.
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“Peace in the Middle East is more important than ever as the region confronts the grave threats of COVID-19 and radicalization. The Secretary-General will continue to work with all sides to open further possibilities for dialogue, peace and stability,” the office of the Secretary-General stated.
After the negotiation on August 13, Trump had tweeted: “HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!”
The UAE is the third Arab nation to reach such a deal with Israel, after Jordan and Egypt. The agreement will include establishing embassies and exchanging ambassadors, investments into the Israeli economy, trade, direct flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, an investment in Israeli efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The Palestinian factions though issued official statements denouncing the agreement that essentially claimed that the deal was “a free gift to Israel” and was made to help the re-election of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The UAE’s position, in terms of its timing and essence, can only be understood as giving Israel leverage for free,” Wasel Abu Yousef, member of the PLO’s Executive Committee and leader of the Palestine Liberation Front, was quoted as saying by a news agency. “There’s no reasonable justification for it except that it gives more power to the occupation and increases its crimes against the Palestinians,” he reportedly said.
“We were not surprised that much because the Emirati army was never on the borders ready to fight Israel,” Mustafa al-Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative and member of the PA parliament, stated.
The Palestinian groups also referred to Netanyahu’s comment where he said : “I will never give up on our right to our land.”
In the meantime, Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday that India had consistently supported peace, stability and development in West Asia. In that context, we welcome the full normalization of ties between UAE and Israel. Both nations are key strategic partners of India. The MEA added: “India continues its traditional support for the Palestinian cause. We hope to see early resumption of direct negotiations to find an acceptable two-state solution.”
– globalbihari bureau
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