Annexation is a red line: decisive Emirati messages reinforce historic support for Palestine
Israel’s annexation of the West Bank or any part of the occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a “red line,” and any move in that direction is “categorically rejected.”
Firm messages, repeatedly conveyed by the United Arab Emirates through statements by officials and official communiqués, have drawn a diplomatic “red line” against Israeli attempts to annex the West Bank, warning that such actions would “destroy the foundations of the two-state solution” and undermine efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
Dangerous escalation
As part of its recent efforts, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday strongly condemning the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft laws seeking to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and legalize control over one settlement. The ministry stressed that this step represented a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of international legitimacy, and a blow to peace efforts.
On the same day, the UAE, several Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a separate statement condemning the bills, warning against Israel’s continued unilateral and illegal practices.
These statements followed remarks by Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, stressing that any annexation of Palestinian territories by Israel would be considered a “red line.”
This warning had already been reiterated several times: on September 4, Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar warned that “the annexation of the West Bank or any part of the occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a red line” and that such action “would undermine regional security,” reaffirming the UAE’s firm stance in support of Palestinian rights and the two-state solution as the only path to peace.
On September 3, Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh likewise stressed that any Israeli annexation in the West Bank would be a “red line” for the UAE and would “severely undermine the Abraham Accords.”
Clear and decisive messages through which the UAE reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that the signing of the peace agreement with Israel on September 15, 2020, has never been and will never be at the expense of the Palestinian cause and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Instead, the UAE has used it as a means of strengthening those rights, as it has successfully done before.
Strong condemnation
In this context, the UAE once again strongly condemned on Thursday the Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft laws aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and legalizing a settlement.
It stressed that this move constituted a serious escalation, a blatant violation of international resolutions, and a threat to just and comprehensive peace in the region.
In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated “the UAE’s categorical rejection of all unilateral practices aimed at altering the legal and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territories.”
The statement warned that “any attempt to annex the West Bank is categorically rejected, as it would annihilate the foundations of the two-state solution.”
It further emphasized “the need to support regional and international efforts to revive the peace process and put an end to illegal practices,” affirming “the UAE’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and protecting the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.”
The UAE also called on the international community to “assume its legal and political responsibilities and take the necessary measures to ensure the security and stability of all the peoples of the region.”
Joint statement
In a separate declaration, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Gambia, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned in the strongest terms the Knesset’s approval of the draft laws imposing so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank and over illegal Israeli settlements.
They described this move as a flagrant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334, which condemns all Israeli measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including East Jerusalem. They also referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice confirming the illegality of Israeli occupation and the nullity of settlements and annexations.
The UAE and these countries welcomed the advisory opinion issued on October 22 by the International Court of Justice, reaffirming Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian law to guarantee access to basic needs for Palestinians, including in Gaza, and to facilitate all possible relief efforts through the UN and UNRWA.
The Court reaffirmed the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare, denounced Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid, and reiterated the ban on forced displacement. It further reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, stressing that Israel’s claim of sovereignty over East Jerusalem had been deemed “null and void” by the Security Council.
The signatory states warned against Israel’s continued illegal policies, urging the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities, compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation, and guarantee the Palestinian people’s right to establish a sovereign state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Historic efforts
History records the prominent role of the UAE, five years ago, in halting Israel’s plan to annex approximately 30 percent of the West Bank—an action that would have undermined the establishment of a Palestinian state. This role was repeated again last September.
On September 15, 2020, during the signing of the peace agreement with Israel, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated: “For us in the United Arab Emirates, this treaty will enable us to stand more firmly alongside the Palestinian people and help realize their aspiration for an independent state in a stable and prosperous region.”
It was made clear at the time that “this treaty would not be at the expense of the Palestinian cause or the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.”
The signing followed a historic call between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Israel announced the suspension of its annexation plans.
Again, in September of this year, the UAE intervened to halt a new annexation attempt, reiterating that any such move would be a “red line” and would gravely undermine the Abraham Accords.
Dr. Anwar Gargash recently reiterated that any Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories would be a “red line,” adding that extremist views on the Palestinian issue no longer reflect today’s regional reality.
A firm and constant stance
The diplomatic adviser explained that the peace agreements with Israel had given the UAE real influence on the Palestinian issue, stressing that Abu Dhabi’s position on this matter remains firm and constant.
The UAE welcomed the growing momentum in favor of recognition of the State of Palestine and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of its people.
This diplomatic effort continues the UAE’s historic support for Palestine, a cornerstone of its foreign policy since 1971. It is also accompanied by strong humanitarian engagement, recalling for Palestinians the legacy of the founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
In this tradition, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to affirm, through words and deeds, the UAE’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
