UAE warns Syrian regime against ‘interference’ in Israeli war on Gaza

The UAE has warned the Syrian regime against “any interference” in Israel’s war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Walla website reported today. The report cited sources familiar with the communication between Abu Dhabi and Damascus.

Walla’s correspondent in Washington, Barak Ravid, added that the Biden administration and many Arab countries are very concerned about a scenario in which the Israeli war on Gaza expands to other fronts, such as Lebanon and Syria, which would lead to a regional war.

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The UAE resumed relations with the Syrian regime last year. According to Walla, it has the greatest influence on Damascus, more than any other Arab country. UAE-Israel relations are also very close, “especially with the Israeli security apparatus.”

The sources said that the UAE conveyed the warning to Syria at the highest level, and then informed Washington.

An Emirati official refused to comment on the Walla report, and neither confirmed nor denied its content. He insisted that he would not comment on closed diplomatic talks.

According to US administration officials, one of the main goals of US policy since the sudden attack on Israel by Hamas fighters last Saturday morning, is to prevent escalation in the region and the expansion of the war to other fronts. “We are working with regional partners to warn anyone who might seek to take advantage in this situation,” tweeted US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan yesterday.

“This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage,” said US President Joe Biden in a joint statement with the leaders of Germany, France, the UK and Italy. “The world is watching.”

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