UAE's historic pact with Israel will end West Bank annexation

The UAE has reached a historic peace deal with Israel and the United States that will ensure no more Palestinian land is annexed in the West Bank.

Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing recently.

Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said: "The United Arab Emirates has secured Israel's commitment to halting the annexation of Palestinian territories in order to sustain efforts to achieve a two-state solution."

He said the decisive freeze on the annexation of Palestinian territories is a significant diplomatic achievement.

"It comes in furtherance of the UAE's belief that establishing normal relations with Israel will enable it to play a direct and constructive role in enhancing the region's security and stability," he said.

The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said.

Dr Gargash also called for a return to direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a joint statement, the UAE, the US and Israel said: This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region."

"HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates," Trump wrote on Twitter. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of Egypt, which signed a treaty with Israel in 1979, praised the new deal and said he hoped it would bring "peace" to the Middle East.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described it as "a historic day and a significant step forward for peace in the Middle East".

"The United States hopes that this brave step will be the first in a series of agreements that ends 72 years of hostilities in the region," Pompeo said.

The agreement would be signed at the White House at a future date, Pompeo said.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com