Israeli media outlets have revealed advanced talks involving the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the Israeli occupation, aimed at granting Abu Dhabi responsibility for the civilian administration of the Gaza Strip. The discussions are taking place within the framework of regional arrangements being explored for the post war phase.
According to Channel 12, the talks have reached what was described as their “peak”. The report noted that the three parties have exchanged written drafts outlining the proposed Emirati role in Gaza, reflecting tangible progress in the negotiations.
The report said the UAE intends to take charge of trade and all markets within the Gaza Strip. This would include purchasing all goods entering the territory from the Israeli occupation, while relying on Israeli contractors to carry out a number of tasks linked to administration and supply.
Abu Dhabi also plans, according to the same source, to deploy security forces to secure the entire logistical infrastructure under its supervision. In parallel, American security companies would be involved, operating alongside Emirati forces.
The proposed framework includes developing aid distribution centres into advanced logistical hubs, through which goods would be channelled to the private sector inside Gaza.
In the same context, the report indicated that contacts are moving at an accelerated pace and that the exchange of drafts between the American, Israeli, and Emirati sides points to talks having entered an advanced stage.
In a notable development, the report claimed that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received an invitation around a week and a half ago from US President Donald Trump to join what he described as a “Peace Council”, which would be tasked with overseeing the future administration of the Gaza Strip.
Separately, Israeli journalist Yaron Avraham reported on Sunday evening on the Maarev Online website that intensive contacts have taken place in recent weeks between the UAE, Israel, and the United States. These efforts, he said, form part of Emirati attempts to assume what he described as “full civilian responsibility” for governing the Gaza Strip.
Avraham explained that the talks are proceeding at full speed and that draft agreements have already been exchanged, indicating that understandings have reached advanced stages. These include granting the UAE broad powers to manage trade and markets inside the Strip, as well as deploying forces to secure the logistical perimeter, in cooperation with American security firms.
This movement comes within a broader regional context. The report recalled Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s visit to India last month on an official working trip, during which he discussed multilateral initiatives with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi involving Israel. These included the I2U2 grouping and the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor.
During those discussions, it was agreed that the economic corridor would pass through Jordan and Israel, reaching the port of Haifa, with Greece serving as a central gateway to continental Europe via the port of Piraeus.
The project aims to harness the technological capabilities and economic resources of the participating states to advance large scale infrastructure projects and address multiple global challenges.
The report also revisited an analysis published by journalist Jacky Hugi in the Maarev newspaper. In that piece, she examined what she described as the “surreal recognition” of Somaliland and how it exposes the depth of relations between Israel and the UAE. She noted that Abu Dhabi identified the unrecognised territory around nine years ago and established a foothold there.
Hugi explained that DP World operates Somaliland’s largest port in the city of Berbera, and that the UAE has established a military base near the port. She added that Abu Dhabi is now considered “the Arab capital closest to Israel”, to the extent that public discussion of this relationship has become increasingly rare.
