Palestinians and Iran Condemn Israel-UAE Agreement
The agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalize political relations has triggered various reactions globally. While Palestinians have condemned it, Bahrain and Egypt have welcomed the accord.
Palestinian leadership has strongly criticized and condemned the “historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.”
The office of Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, announced Thursday evening on August 23 (August 13) following an emergency meeting that it rejects and condemns the “sudden announcement” by Israel and the UAE.
In its statement, the Palestinian Authority described the accord as “a blow to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish peace, Arab League statements, and an aggression against the Palestinian people.”
The Palestinian Authority’s statement also said that the UAE-Israel agreement is “a betrayal of Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Palestinian cause.”
The Authority stated in its statement that such an agreement “in fact constitutes recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.” Palestinian leadership has called on the UAE to immediately withdraw from this agreement.
Riyad Al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, also described the UAE’s step as “treason.” Hamas, which controls affairs in the Gaza Strip, accused the UAE of “stabbing Palestinians in the back” with its agreement with Israel.
According to Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman, “announcing this agreement is rewarding Israel for the crimes it has committed by occupying Palestine.” He added: “This normalization of relations is a dagger being stabbed into our people’s back.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, by issuing a statement, described the Palestinians’ strong reaction to the Israel-UAE agreement as “understandable” and stated that “history and human conscience will not forget such hypocritical behavior.”
The Islamic Republic also condemned the announcement of the agreement between the UAE and Israel. The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic called it “dangerous and illegitimate” and described it as “a shameful act” by which “Palestinians have been betrayed.”
The United Arab Emirates and Israel announced on Thursday, August 23 (August 13) that, through the mediation of the U.S. government and Donald Trump, they have reached an agreement on peace and cooperation with each other.
The UAE is the third Arab country, after Egypt and Jordan, to reach an agreement on normalizing relations with Israel.
According to news reports, under this agreement Israel has waived its policy of annexing parts of the West Bank of the Jordan River. The agreement also includes opening embassies in the capitals of both countries as well as establishing direct flights.
“A Historic Agreement”
Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Benjamin Netanyahu have called the agreement between the two countries “a historic agreement.”
Bahrain and Egypt are among Arab countries that have expressed satisfaction with and welcomed the agreement between the UAE and Israel.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has also praised the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
Guterres’ spokesman said in this regard: “The Secretary-General welcomes this agreement and hopes that it creates an opportunity for the leaders of Israel and Palestine to resume purposeful negotiations.”
Source: DW
