Envoy: UAE may join Gaza stabilisation mission

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its readiness to contribute forces to a multinational "stabilisation" mission in Gaza following the Israel-Hamas conflict, becoming the first country to indicate it could deploy troops to the area.

The Gulf state has stated it would be willing to send its forces if the US takes a leadership role and supports efforts toward establishing a Palestinian state, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s special envoy to the foreign ministry, made these remarks amid ongoing efforts by Arab states and Western countries to formulate a viable postwar strategy for Gaza.

Nusseibeh noted that Abu Dhabi has discussed the plans with the US as a means to address the vacuum left in Gaza and tackle its significant humanitarian and reconstruction challenges.

Nusseibeh stated that the UAE would only participate if invited by the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the occupied West Bank with Western support.

“The UAE could consider joining the stabilisation forces alongside Arab and international partners, but only at the invitation of a reformed PA or one led by a strong prime minister,” she said.

 Nusseibeh emphasised that for the mission to succeed, “the US should take the lead”.

She added that Abu Dhabi has been, and continues to be, in discussions with all relevant regional actors about plans for the post-conflict situation.

The Israel-Hamas conflict is a prolonged and complex struggle between the state of Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with frequent civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with limited access to essential services and resources.

The conflict remains unresolved, with periodic escalations in violence and ongoing disputes over issues such as territory, security, and the political status of Jerusalem.