THE United Arab Emirates and Israel signed a peace deal on Aug 13, creating an outcry among Muslims all over the world.

The initial statements revealed that the aim of such a deal by the UAE was to obstruct Israel’s plan of annexing the West Bank.

However, recently Israeli officials proclaimed that there is no connection between the deal and the annexation plan. Keeping in view several other factors, it clearly shows that under this “peaceful illusion” lies the truth --that the UAE, in order to vindicate itself, took such sacrificial action portraying itself as a saviour for the Palestinians.

On the other hand, anti-Israel states such as Turkey and Iran, believe that the strategem was pulled by US President Trump influenced by the motive of promoting Israel and the US’ Gulf-state allies bilateral cooperation, thus, creating a sense of enclosing on its rival Iran.

No matter how many various intentions are involved behind this deal, the fact cannot be ignored that this agreement is a dagger in the backs of the Palestinians and other Muslim states.

Kinanah Shahbaz
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2020