Gaza Ceasefire Offers UAE Chance to Shift Palestinian Policy Amid Ongoing Tensions

Senior UAE official Dr. Anwar Gargash emphasized that the recent Gaza ceasefire offers a crucial opportunity to shift from maximalist positions toward a two-state solution that ensures security for Israel and a viable state for Palestinians. The UAE has supported this approach through humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts, including the Abraham Accords, aiming to foster regional tolerance and peace. However, the ceasefire remains fragile, as evidenced by Hamas attacks on Israeli troops and ongoing tensions, underscoring the challenges in dealing with Hamas, which refuses to disarm or relinquish control of Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged political reforms, including elections scheduled for October 2026, but Hamas’s participation remains uncertain due to ideological differences and compliance requirements. These developments highlight the complex and precarious nature of peace efforts, with international actors debating future stabilization forces and the political horizon necessary for a lasting Palestinian state. The situation continues to demand diplomatic engagement, humanitarian assistance, and readiness for potential escalations.