United Arab Emirates (UAE) cuts diplomatic ties with Israel

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended its ties, especially its diplomatic relations with Israel.

The suspension was in direct response to the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis following the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen foreign aid workers killed during a humanitarian mission in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli armies.

The IDF spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied responsibility, though he announced an independent probe into the incident. The strike was despite the logo of WCK being boldly embroidered on the roof of its aid workers’ van.

“These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day's mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories.” – Erin Gore, CEO. Read more: https://t.co/4f38RQ1l4I pic.twitter.com/neAsSzKVP5

— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) April 2, 2024

With such an unprovoked attack on humanitarian workers, the Israeli government broke International Law, which contributed to the Arab government’s decision to halt its ties with Israel.

However, the UAE’s decision has sparked International pressure in the Israel-Palestine conflict, one enough that the Emirati foreign ministry has ‘expressed outrage’ with the Israeli ambassador Amir Hayek over the incident.

According to i24News, “Efforts to address the crisis are underway, with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, engaging in a phone call with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed. Additionally, Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Yaakov Blitshtein, met with Ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Khaja in an attempt to a resolution,” the report read.

Meanwhile, the announcement also has stirred controversial debates bordering on the sudden action of the Emirates government since the October 7th Massacre in Israel.

An X (formerly Twitter) user, @Ncusane, debatably wrote, “UAE is using the same strategy as USA. Note: “Our policy concerning Gaza will be dependent on how well Israel makes changes” – Kirby.

Another user, @DavinJavin, wrote, “UAE respects its relationship with Israel more than the 32,000 dead Palestinians.”

Read: Israel Dismisses Officers Over “Grave Mistake” in Strike on Aid Workers

About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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