The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its stance that the Palestinian issue remains central to peace in the Middle East, warning that Israeli annexation of Palestinian land would undermine regional stability and violate the principles of the Abraham Accords.
Speaking on Monday at the Hili Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, said that the accords signed five years ago were envisioned as a framework for coexistence and integration but hinged on the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“The future of Palestine continues to be the cornerstone of a peaceful future for the Middle East,” Nusseibeh said. “Annexation by Israel of Palestinian land, if pursued, would not only close the door to peace and integration, it would betray the very spirit of the Abraham Accords.”
Nusseibeh stressed that the UAE’s position was rooted not only in politics but in principle, describing Palestinian statehood as a “red line” for regional diplomacy. “For the UAE, this is not a matter of politics alone. It is a matter of principle, and it is a matter of peace for our region,” she said.
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and later joined by Morocco and Sudan, marked a historic step in Arab-Israeli normalization. However, Nusseibeh made clear that the long-term viability of these agreements depends on advancing a two-state solution.
Analysts say her remarks reflect growing regional concern that stalled peace negotiations and continued settlement expansion could derail the optimism generated by the accords. While normalization created new economic and security opportunities, critics argue that sidelining the Palestinian issue risks deepening instability.
Nusseibeh’s statement is also seen as a message to both Washington and Tel Aviv, urging them to reaffirm commitments made at the time of the accords, when annexation plans were suspended in exchange for normalization.
Regional observers note that the UAE has increasingly positioned itself as both a partner in innovation and trade with Israel and a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage. This balancing act underscores the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy, where strategic cooperation often intersects with long-standing grievances.
“The Abraham Accords were never intended to bypass the Palestinian issue,” said one regional analyst. “The UAE’s message is that true integration cannot happen without justice for Palestine.”
As tensions remain high, Nusseibeh’s warning signals the UAE’s determination to ensure that the Palestinian question remains central to the region’s peace agenda. Whether this call will influence Israeli policy remains uncertain, but for Abu Dhabi, the message is clear: Palestinian statehood remains the foundation of peace.