The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has voiced strong disapproval of Israel's recent decision to authorize the construction of 3,500 new settler units in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The move by the Israeli government has drawn condemnation from the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), which released a statement emphasizing the country's firm rejection of any actions that alter the historical and legal status of Palestinian territories.
The MoFA's statement criticized practices that violate international law and undermine the two-state solution, the long-standing framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This framework envisions an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. The UAE expressed concern that Israel's settlement expansion impedes efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region.
The condemnation reflects a growing international concern regarding Israel's settlement activities. The Israeli government has consistently defended its right to build settlements in the occupied territories, citing historical and religious ties to the land. However, the international community overwhelmingly considers these settlements illegal under international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The UAE's stance aligns with its recent normalization of relations with Israel, known as the Abraham Accords. The Accords were a landmark agreement aimed at fostering regional peace and cooperation. However, the UAE has consistently stressed its commitment to a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The MoFA's statement reiterated the UAE's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
The Israeli settlement project in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains a highly contentious issue. Proponents argue that settlements are essential for Israel's security and national identity. Opponents, including the Palestinians, contend that settlements are a deliberate attempt to pre-empt the creation of a viable Palestinian state and solidify Israeli control over occupied territories.
The expansion of settlements has significant humanitarian consequences for Palestinians. Settlements often restrict Palestinian access to land and resources, fragmenting Palestinian communities, and hindering economic development. The MoFA's statement called for an end to such practices, underlining the need for regional and international efforts to revitalize the peace process.
The UAE's condemnation of Israel's settlement expansion highlights the ongoing challenges to achieving a lasting peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. The international community, including the UAE, is urging both sides to refrain from actions that hinder the two-state solution and return to meaningful negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.