Hebrew media: Increasing Emirati concern over the role of Qatar and Turkey in Gaza

Channel 12 reported that the UAE is increasingly concerned about the central role that Qatari and Turkish officials have begun to play in the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, considering that these parties may contribute to the survival of Hamas and its continued influence in the region.

Last month, the newspaper "Israel Hayom" quoted officials stating that there is Emirati and Saudi concern over the rising Qatari role in Gaza. A senior Saudi official told the newspaper that Gulf countries are very worried about the comprehensive security agreement signed between the United States and Qatar, saying: "This means that Qatar will ensure Hamas's survival in Gaza and its return to power at the first opportunity."

The newspaper noted that "it has previously published sharp criticisms from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates regarding the Americans' efforts to enhance Qatar's leading role in the region. The Saudis are now demanding at least a parallel security agreement, but with better conditions, expressing their concern over Qatar's continued support for branches of the Muslim Brotherhood throughout the Middle East, which undermine stability in Arab countries."

It stated that "in the UAE, as usual, the statements are characterized by a more diplomatic tone, although they carry a similar message; the UAE is already participating in the rehabilitation and construction of infrastructure in humanitarian areas being built in territories under Israeli control."

According to the official statement, the conversation between the American envoys and Tahnoun bin Zayed, advisor to the ruler Mohammed bin Zayed, focused on ways to establish stability and the necessity of ending the war."

It added, "However, the statements of Anwar Gargash, the political advisor to bin Zayed and one of the prominent figures in Emirati foreign policy, clarify that their extensive intervention also awaits Hamas's exit from the scene, even if the organization's name is not explicitly mentioned."

Gargash said: "Returning to the situation before October 7 would not be correct and would not contribute to the solution... The UAE supports American moves, but with two conditions: clarifying the future political situation and the need for a stable security ground. We will not send our sons to a battlefield without a clear understanding of the situation on the ground."

The newspaper considered that "the clear message is that the UAE will likely continue to provide assistance and funding for reconstruction in safe humanitarian areas, but it will remain with the Saudis outside the political scene, at least for now. The weight of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey will remain dominant - which is exactly what the Gulf countries feared.