Former Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa called Saturday on Arab states that may seek to follow the United Arab Emirates’ example in normalizing relations with Israel to note that the Israeli plan to annex Palestinian territories was resolved in the deal with Abu Dhabi.
“If these states proceed with such normalization or recognition of Israel, they must consider that the exchange favor the Palestinians and achieve added benefits for them,” Moussa said Saturday.
In a telephone call with Asharq Al-Awsat, he reiterated the “importance of taking the legitimate Palestinian interests into account and to establish a negotiation path that leads to a fair peaceful solution to their cause.”
Commenting on the Arab League’s move in the next phase, Moussa said he calls on the organization to prepare an Arab meeting to seriously discuss these developments.
Israel and the UAE reached a historic deal Thursday that will establish diplomatic ties, becoming the third Arab country to recognize Israel after Jordan and Egypt.
The deal was brokered by US President Donald Trump in a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Moussa’s comments came two days after White House advisor Jared Kushner confirmed to Fox News on Friday that other Arab countries are expected to sign agreements with Israel during the upcoming weeks.
Moussa said the world has changed and is witnessing the fall of some “universals and the building of new international relations that do not follow the principles of international law or UN Charter and resolutions.”
Moreover, he stressed the importance that the UAE establish its embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem.
In Ramallah, Secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s Executive Committee Saeb Erekat condemned Moussa’ statements, which he slammed as a violation of Arab summits and the annihilation of the 2002 Arab peace initiative.
