Arab countries divided over Israel-United Arab Emirates deal

Protests in Gaza on August 14 against the peace agreement between Israel and the Emirates. REUTERS / Mohammed Salem

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The normalization of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel is a first between an Arab Gulf monarchy and the Hebrew state. This turn, sponsored by the United States, is considered a “betrayal” by the Palestinian Authority and it divides the countries of the region.

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There are countries that applaud like Egypt itself at peace with Israel and very close to the United Arab Emirates. She welcomes this announcement which, according to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, brings "  prosperity and stability  " to the region.

Jordan's reaction is much more cautious, as other Arab countries have signed a peace accord with Israel. The Hashemite Kingdom calls on the Hebrew state to end itsillegal enterprise  " of occupying territory, and "  its violations of Palestinian rights  ."

Reactions also from the Gulf monarchies, neighbors of the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain hails a “  historic milestone  ”. The Sultanate of Oman shows its support, and silence for the moment from the powerful Saudi Arabia.

"  Strategic stupidity  " for Iran

And then there are the hostile reactions, Iran denounces "  strategic stupidity  " and believes that this UAE / Israel rapprochement will only strengthen what Tehran calls "  the axis of resistance  " in the region.

The agreement between Israel and the Emirates is like a dagger in the back of the countries of the region, even affirmed the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs. If relations between Iran and the Gulf monarchies had deteriorated with the war in Yemen, in recent months, Iran and the Emirates have nonetheless started a slight diplomatic rapprochement, explains our correspondent in Tehran, Siavosh Ghazi . This agreement between the Emirates and Israel will undoubtedly be a blow to relations between the two countries.

Turkey finally speaks of "  hypocritical behavior  " and assures that "  history will never forgive  " this normalization. The Turkish president is considering suspending his already strained relations with the United Arab Emirates.

►Also read: Analysis - Israel and the United Arab Emirates announce their rapprochement

For its part, France welcomed the agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and also welcomed the "  decision taken in this context  " by the Jewish state to "  suspend the annexation of Palestinian territories  ”.

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  • Israel
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Egypt
  • Jordan
  • Iran
  • Turkey
  • Bahrain

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Israel and United Arab Emirates announce rapprochement