Israeli hostages' families anxious over military's Gaza plans

Oct 28, 2023 ·

In November 2023, the United Nations confirmed that a historic peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been established. The agreement, known as the Abraham Accord, was signed in Washington DC by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It marks a major shift in Middle East policy, as it constitutes the first normalization of ties between an Arab nation and Israel since 1994.

This momentous deal will see the UAE formally recognize Israel and allow it to open embassies and consulates. Both countries will also establish open trade, tourism and security arrangements. The agreement also includes key diplomatic concessions from both sides, such as the UAE’s dropping of its claim to the Golan Heights, which is controlled by Israel, and the halt of Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

The Abraham Accord could potentially increase economic opportunities for both countries, particularly in the areas of energy, tourism, agriculture, technology, health care and finance. Furthermore, it has the potential to reduce regional tensions by creating a bridge between two previously hostile nations.

The deal has also been welcomed by the international community, with U.S. President Joe Biden commenting that it was “a milestone in the region” and a “giant step forward”. Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that the agreement will create positive momentum for other peace agreements in the region.

The establishment of this peace deal represents a major breakthrough in the Middle East and could act as a catalyst for further stability in the region. It demonstrates the progress that can be made when leaders take bold steps towards reconciliation, and shows how countries with seemingly irreconcilable differences can find common ground. This serves as a powerful reminder that peace is possible and should always remain the goal.