The UAE vilifies Palestinian resistance amidst widespread criticism for embracing normalization
The UAE has been employing its suspicious media and political apparatus for months to vilify the Palestinian resistance, while public disapproval of the Abu Dhabi regime’s commitment to normalization with Israel is on the rise in the country.
Ali Rashid Al-Nuaimi, the influential figure in promoting normalization in the UAE and Chairman of the Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee in the Federal National Council, strongly criticized the Palestinian resistance, particularly targeting the Hamas movement, asserting that “Israel’s presence is permanent.”
Al-Nuaimi joined a unique virtual press conference hosted by the European Jewish Association (EJA) and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), where he delivered contentious remarks regarding the Palestinian resistance.
Al-Naimi said that the normalization agreements are not in danger amid Israel’s bloody war on the Gaza Strip, claiming that “the (normalization) agreements are our future.” “It is not an agreement between two governments, but it is a platform that we believe should change the region.”
He further expressed his desire for universal acknowledgment and acceptance of Israel’s permanence, emphasizing that the historical roots of Jews and Christians lie not in New York or Paris but in their regional context. He asserted, “They are integral to our past and must be integrated into our future.”
Al Nuaimi, who is close to decision-making circles in Abu Dhabi, claimed that the UAE wants to change the educational system and religious narrative.
Al-Nuaimi has previously addressed the need to align the educational system with the normalization of relations with Israel. In January 2021, just four months following the normalization agreement, he suggested revising the curriculum to combat what he referred to as “Islamic extremism.”
He said at the time, “Education represents the first line of defense against any threat, in a region still suffering from extremist ideology.”
In response to the demonstrations against the Israeli military actions in Gaza, Al-Nuaimi remarked, “We require individuals who advocate for peace in Europe, the United States, and worldwide to counter the hateful rhetoric witnessed in protests in Paris and London.”
Concerning Operation Al-Aqsa Flood initiated by the Palestinian resistance on October 7, Al-Naimi emphasized, “It’s crucial to recognize that there are adversaries opposed to our actions. These terrorist groups disregard human life, hindering their objectives.”
He continued, stating, “No one with empathy and rationality would condone the heinous terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7: not a single individual.” He argued that the “adversaries” exploited the conflict and emphasized a distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people.
Al Nuaimi represents one of Abu Dhabi’s arms to attack Islam and incite against Muslims in Europe, as he heads the “Hedayah” Center for Combating Extremism, which is led by several European extremists who support the expulsion of Muslims from Europe.
During a period when the Emirati Association to Resist Normalization criticized Abu Dhabi for persistently accommodating Israelis amidst the ongoing eight-month conflict in Gaza, in contrast to the Maldives’ ban on Israeli entry, tensions escalated.
The association expressed on its “X” platform account, “While the Maldives bars Zionists, the UAE government continues to embrace them and their leaders despite over 230 days of conflict in Gaza.”
Last Sunday, the Maldives government opted to prohibit Israelis from entering the country amid rising public outrage in the Muslim-majority nation over the Gaza conflict.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the office of Maldives President Mohamed Moisu announced a decision, stating that the Council of Ministers had approved amendments to prevent individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the country.
Additionally, a subcommittee will be formed to oversee this process. The statement further mentioned President Moisu’s intention to designate a special envoy to evaluate Palestinian requirements and initiate a fundraising initiative titled “Maldives stands in solidarity with Palestine.”
The statement also included President Moiso’s plan to designate a special envoy to evaluate the requirements of Palestinians and initiate a fundraising effort titled “Maldives stands in solidarity with Palestine.”
In September 2020, the UAE publicly signed a normalization agreement with Israel, which was followed by numerous cooperation agreements across various sectors, culminating in the Comprehensive Trade Agreement. This made the UAE the first Arab nation to formalize such a pact with Tel Aviv.
