On August 13, 2020, history was made when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel announced that they had agreed to normalize diplomatic relations. The agreement, known as the Abraham Accords, was brokered by the United States and marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the Middle East.
Under the agreement, the UAE became the third Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan. The two countries agreed to exchange ambassadors, open embassies, and cooperate on a range of issues, including security, trade, and tourism.
The agreement also included a suspension of Israel`s plans to annex parts of the West Bank, a move that had been widely criticized by the international community. The UAE`s decision to normalize relations with Israel was seen as a significant step towards peace and stability in the region.
The agreement was met with widespread praise from leaders around the world, including US President Donald Trump who called it a “major breakthrough” and a “historic peace agreement.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as a “new era of peace” while UAE`s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan echoed the sentiment, describing it as a “bold step towards stability and coexistence.”
However, some countries in the Middle East, including Iran and Turkey, criticized the agreement, calling it a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Many Palestinians viewed the agreement as a setback for their struggle for independence and have accused the UAE of betraying the Arab world`s longstanding commitment to support their cause.
Despite the criticism, the UAE-Israel agreement is a significant development in the Middle East, and its impact will be felt for years to come. It represents a major shift in the political dynamics of the region and could serve as a catalyst for further diplomatic breakthroughs between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Only time will tell if this historic agreement leads to a lasting peace in the Middle East.