UAE Shows Diplomatic Sway With Gaza Aid and Ties to Israel

Gulf nation providing humanitarian help amid Israel-Hamas war
Aid efforts also show limits of UAE’s influence over Israel

WATCH: Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, aid efforts by the United Arab Emirates in the small city of El-Arish in Northern Sinai and the Palestinian territory have costed the nation around $700 million. Abeer Abu Omar reports.Source: Bloomberg

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By Abeer Abu Omar

August 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM UTC

Updated on

August 5, 2024 at 4:31 AM UTC

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A slice of Abu Dhabi has come to El-Arish, a small city in Northern Sinai about 50 kilometers from Gaza. Once rarely visited by outsiders, the coastal spot now teems with Emirati volunteers wearing cargo pants and beige vests adorned with the flag of the United Arab Emirates.

They’ve joined UAE government officials, Red Crescent workers and hospital staff in the Egyptian area just outside the strip, part of a humanitarian effort to help more than two million people whose lives have been devastated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.