UAE unlikely to join Gaza stabilization force: senior official

• The UAE will likely not participate in the proposed international stabilization force for Gaza, citing the lack of a clear framework for the mission.
• The Gulf state affirmed it will continue supporting political peace efforts and remain a leading provider of humanitarian aid, having already contributed over $2.57 billion.

The United Arab Emirates is unlikely to participate in the proposed international stabilization force for Gaza, primarily due to the mission's lack of a clear operational framework, according to a top Emirati official Monday.

Senior diplomatic advisor to the president Anwar Gargash made the statement during the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, addressing the US-backed plan for security in the Gaza Strip.

Need for a Clear Mandate

"The UAE does not see a clear framework for a stabilization force yet," Gargash said. "Under these circumstances, it will likely not participate in such a force."

The international force is a component of US President Donald Trump's plan to halt the war on Gaza and is expected to primarily include troops from Arab and Muslim-majority nations.

Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were previously listed among the probable participating countries, alongside the UAE.

Trump stated last week that he expects the international stabilization force to be on the ground in Gaza "very soon."

Commitment to Aid and Peace

Despite ruling out participation in the security force for now, Gargash affirmed the UAE's continued support for political efforts toward peace.

"But it will support all political efforts aimed at peace, and will remain at the forefront [of countries providing] humanitarian aid," he said.

Gargash noted that throughout the war in Gaza, the UAE has provided assistance exceeding $2.57 billion.

The UAE is one of the few Arab countries that normalized diplomatic ties with ‘Israel’ under the Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term.