Historic UAE-Israel peace accord hailed as ‘breakthrough’

Sheikh Nahyan, UAE Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, said agreement would promote peace in region and world

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The historic agreement reached by the UAE to stop Israel from further annexation of Palestinian territory has been hailed as a breakthrough to promote peace.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, said the UAE’s vision would lead to peace, cooperation, progress and would benefit all, Wam reported.

Describing it as a diplomatic milestone, Sheikh Nahyan said it would add to the country’s stature as a pioneer in peaceful coexistence both in the region and across the world.

The agreement known as the Abraham Accord was announced on Thursday to halt Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory in exchange for establishing diplomatic ties with the UAE.

It came after a joint call between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sheikh Nahyan said the deal reflected the UAE’s aim to halt conflict to encourage a focus on prosperity by boosting economic growth, innovation and strengthening ties between nations and people.

He said the decision supported the rights of the Palestinian people and those that lived in the region.

Sheikh Nahyan praised Sheikh Mohamed’s far-sightedness and vision to revolve regional issues.

The move has been praised by the international community.

Welcoming the agreement, the UN said it would work with all for dialogue and stability.

Nikolay Mladenov, the UN’s Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said the deal would stop Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank that the UN had consistently called for.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the agreement as good news and US presidential candidate Joe Biden described it as a significant step toward peace.