The United Arab Emirates is concerned about Qatar and Turkey playing a central role in the proposed plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip.
In general, the UAE views Doha and Ankara as “Hamas enablers. These states will make it possible for the terrorist organization to continue existing,” a source familiar with its stance told The Jerusalem Post.
“There are interested parties affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood who are currently embedding themselves in key positions in the Gaza reconstruction plan,” the source said.
This concern led the UAE to officially announce this week that it will not take part in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) expected to deploy in Gaza.
“The UAE has not yet seen a clear framework for the stabilization force, and under such circumstances, it is unlikely to participate,” Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, an adviser to the UAE’s presidency, said at a summit in Abu Dhabi.
Established in coordination with the US, the ISF is expected to include troops from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
The Trump administration said it hoped that this task force would enter Gaza “very soon,” and is currently working on a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize its deployment.
Day after in Gaza
Over the past two years, the UAE has been involved in discussions regarding “the day after” in Gaza. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer (Likud) has visited the UAE several times, and the idea of a multinational force stationed in Gaza was developed in part through talks among senior Israeli, US, and Emirati officials.
While the UAE still intends to partake in post-war efforts in Gaza, its role will focus more on the humanitarian aspect.
“The Emirates will focus on humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and supporting the establishment of effective governance,” one source said.
He added that the UAE may assist the ISF logistically, saying that “despite the concerns over the involvement of Hamas-aligned actors, the goal in the UAE is to help create something fresh in Gaza – to jump-start a different chapter there.”
Meanwhile, discussions regarding the 200 Hamas terrorists currently in Rafah are ongoing. While the US and Israel agree on the idea of exiling them if they lay down their arms, Hamas has conveyed to mediators that it currently rejects this proposal.
“Hamas fears setting a precedent where Israel would grant full immunity only to those who disarm and agree to exile. That’s not what was agreed upon in [US President Donald] Trump’s plan,” a source familiar with the details told the Post.
Despite these challenges and Israel’s public refusal to allow safe passage for armed terrorists into Hamas-controlled territory, even if they do disarm, the US administration believes a solution will soon be reached.
“This issue threatens the ceasefire – and that’s exactly how the Trump administration sees it. It will do everything possible to resolve this,” said another source familiar with the talks.
Israel is preparing for the possibility that the ceasefire agreement might collapse.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir told cabinet ministers in a meeting last Thursday that the defense establishment is preparing for other options in case the Trump plan fails. Alternatives will be presented to the political leadership and ministers soon.