Title: UAE’s Enduring Support for Palestine Amid Ongoing Israel-Gaza Conflict
Subtitle: Sheikh Zayed’s Vision of Peace and Unity Between UAE and Palestine
Date: October 26, 2023
Updated: October 26, 2023, 8:46 AM
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a deep-rooted relationship with Palestine that dates back decades. Recognizing Palestine as an independent state early on, the UAE has solidified this bond through diplomatic gestures and cultural exchanges. Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the support of UAE residents for the Palestinian people has been remarkable, reflecting the enduring solidarity between the two nations.
The visionary leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, played a pivotal role in strengthening the UAE-Palestinian connection. In 1989, he allocated a plot of land in Abu Dhabi for a Palestinian embassy, and the appointment of the UAE’s first Palestinian ambassador further cemented the relationship. Beyond diplomatic efforts, the integration of Palestinians within the UAE community stands as a tangible manifestation of the profound friendship shared between the two peoples.
This friendship was put to the test during the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Despite joining the coalition to liberate Kuwait, the UAE staunchly safeguarded the rights and presence of every Palestinian within its borders, even when the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) supported Iraq. This unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people exemplifies the UAE’s dedication to promoting peace and unity.
Amid the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza, thousands of UAE residents have come together to collect aid for Gazans affected by Israeli air strikes. While UAE’s leadership is actively working towards a diplomatic ceasefire, the nation’s humanitarian support for the Palestinian people remains unwavering. This commitment aligns with the UAE’s ethos of promoting peace and unity.
Two notable figures, Khalid Malak and his wife Nawal, who have witnessed the enduring UAE-Palestinian friendship firsthand, shared their reflections. Mr. Malak, born in Acre, Palestine, highlighted the unparalleled support extended by Sheikh Zayed to Palestine in all aspects of life. The UAE’s welcoming attitude towards Palestinians and Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to education and supporting people have left a lasting impact.
Mr. Malak, appointed as the UAE’s inaugural Palestinian envoy in 1989, recalls Sheikh Zayed’s boundless love for Palestine and his unwavering support. Palestinians who arrived in the UAE with only travel documents were warmly embraced. Sheikha Fatima, Sheikh Zayed’s wife, also shared this vision and actively supported Palestine through various initiatives such as providing aid, financial support, and covering the costs of medical treatment for injured Palestinians.
Despite challenges, such as Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, which divided the UAE and Palestine in terms of support, Sheikh Zayed’s dedication to justice prevailed. When the PLO chose to support Iraq, Sheikh Zayed immediately summoned Mr. Malak and questioned the decision, reminding him of the importance of standing with the oppressed rather than the oppressor.
Today, Sheikh Mohamed, the President of the UAE, continues the legacy of his father, Sheikh Zayed. Recognizing the need for urgent aid and the protection of civilian lives, Sheikh Mohamed has allocated $20 million in aid for the Palestinian people. He has also engaged in talks with world leaders to call for a ceasefire.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, Mr. Malak expressed his heartbreak over the loss of innocent lives and urged for an end to the violence. Both Palestinians and Emiratis hope for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the need to protect civilians on both sides.
The UAE’s enduring support for Palestine serves as a testament to the strong bond between the two nations. As the world watches the developments in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the UAE’s commitment to peace, unity, and support for the Palestinian people remains resolute.
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Amidst the Gaza-Israel conflict, Palestine’s inaugural representative to the UAE discovers comfort in the unity of Emirati support.
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