UAE denounces Netanyahu’s claims over postwar Gaza role

The UAE will not take part in a new civil administration in Gaza, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has said, denouncing recent comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader said that Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, might join a civil administration of the Palestinian territory.

“The United Arab Emirates denounces the statements of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, about calling on the state to participate in the civil administration of the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli occupation,” Sheikh Abdullah said on X on Friday.

Sheikh Abdullah said that Israel did not have the authority to make such a decision. “The UAE stresses that the Israeli Prime Minister does not have any legal capacity to take this step, and the state refuses to be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip,” he said. Mr Netanyahu made his comments on the potential future of Gaza during an interview with American talk show host Dr Phil McGraw on Thursday.

When asked what would happen to Gaza after the war, Mr Netanyahu said that there would be “some kind of civilian government, some civil administration by Gazans … possibly with the aid of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other countries”.

Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE believes the future of Gaza should be decided by its people.

“The UAE affirms that when a Palestinian government is formed that meets the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people and enjoys integrity, competence and independence, the state will be fully prepared to provide all forms of support to that government,” he said.