The Arab League rejected a resolution on Wednesday proposed by the Palestinian Authority which would have condemned the normalisation deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Palestinian Authority Representative to the Arab League Muhannad al-Aklouk stated: “After a three-hour debate, some Arab countries refused to include [a] statement condemning [the UAE] for abandoning Arab decisions. Additionally, they struck out a clause which discussed the trilateral agreement” between the UAE, US and Israel.
Senior Arab League official Hussam Zaki said: “Discussion around this point was serious and comprehensive. But it did not lead to agreement over the resolution proposed by the Palestinians”.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the deal as soon as it was announced last month with it being called a “stab in the back”.
Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki demanded a stance rejecting the deal. “This meeting must release a decision rejecting this step. Otherwise, we will be seen as giving it our blessing, or conspiring with it, or attempting to cover it up”, Al-Maliki said.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem also condemned the Arab League’s failure to pass the resolution, stating: “This inability to condemn the UAE merely tempts Israel and the United States to continue implementing their plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause”.
Several Arab states, including Egypt and Bahrain, have expressed public or tacit support for the deal, which is due to be signed next week in Washington.
There is speculation that other deals will follow, with several Gulf states looking to strengthen its own diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Israel-UAE normalisation deal will be signed on Wednesday at a ceremony in the White House; the first Middle East Peace signing at the White House in 26 years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead the Israeli delegation and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed will lead the UAE delegation.
