Some Arab countries are trying to take advantage of the Gaza war
Last Updated on August 5, 2024 9:09 am
The heat of the ongoing war in the besieged Gaza Strip of Palestine has spread throughout the Middle East region. But some Arab countries do not want their houses to be on fire. And so they want to send peacekeeping forces to the Gaza Strip under the leadership of the United States. However, there are also countries that want to use the Gaza war for their own benefit.
Some countries close to Saudi Arabia have already started bargaining with the United States for their own interests. Countries are already discussing who will rule the Gaza Strip after a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
And that discussion is being led by the United Arab Emirates. Last week they again called for the deployment of peacekeepers to Gaza, the second such call in a month. Israel wants them to plant their own people in Gaza. But last May, their efforts were blocked by the Emirates.
A US official told Middle East Eye that Bahrain, Iran’s arch-enemy, has secretly hinted at being part of the peacekeeping mission.
It is said that if a military official from a Gulf country steps foot in Gaza, it will be considered a profound change. Because, these countries have kept their eyes on countries like Libya, Syria and Yemen, excluding Gaza.
But on October 7, the scenario in the Middle East changed. The Middle East’s eyes are now on Gaza. According to international analysts, Saudi Arabia did not have a headache in the beginning about how the Palestinian state would be managed. But now that position has changed.
Now Saudi Arabia is interested in this. Again, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are working deeply with the two countries to show their closeness with the United States and Israel. Although at the moment their role is very small.
Several Arab countries are looking to profit from the Gaza war. Among these, the Emirates want the United States to further develop the Al Dhafra airbase in their country. Qatar is also asking for something similar. The country wants a 10-year extension of the US military presence at the Al-Udeid base as a reward for mediation with Hamas and Israel.
Again, Bahrain got nothing from the Abraham Accord. Emirates also did not get F-35 fighter jets. So they are negotiating hard.