UAE denies claims it will manage Gaza, says governance is for Palestinians

The United Arab Emirates has denied claims that it intends to assume civil administration of the Gaza Strip, stressing that governance of the territory is the responsibility of the Palestinian people.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, said on Monday that reports suggesting Abu Dhabi would take over Gaza’s civilian administration were false.

“The UAE categorically denies the baseless claims regarding its assumption of civil administration of the Gaza Strip,” Al Hashemi said in a statement.

She added that “the governance and administration of Gaza is the responsibility of the Palestinian people”, and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in the Strip.

READ: Hamas says arrangements complete to hand over Gaza administration to national committee

Al Hashemi also said the UAE remains committed to supporting a lasting peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, citing its role as a founding member of the Peace Council and its membership in the Gaza Executive Council.

Her comments followed a report by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday evening claiming that the UAE was seeking to take over the administration of civilian affairs in Gaza with Israeli support.

The channel alleged that Abu Dhabi planned to manage civilian aspects of the Strip through investments worth billions of dollars, with part of the funds expected to be transferred alongside the launch of a second phase of a wider plan, followed by additional investments later.

READ: UAE seeks to take over full civil administration in Gaza with Israeli backing