UAE says no to post-Gaza peacekeeping force without PA control

The UAE has told Israel it will only commit troops to a pan-Arab peacekeeping force if the Palestinian Authority is given the powers over Gaza, according to reports.

The Gulf state has been among a number of Arab countries to signal a willingness to maintain security in Gaza if Hamas is overthrown, as part of a multinational peacekeeping force.

Israel's Army Radio reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources, that Abu Dhabi has informed Israel it is only willing to do this if President Mahmoud Abbas's PA is given authority over Gaza.

The UAE's foreign ministry said last month it could join a multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza after the war but only at the invitation of "a reformed PA".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any role for the PA in post-war Gaza with some in his coalition wanting Israel to directly rule the enclave and possibly expel the Palestinian population.

There are questions about whether Egypt, which has the largest army in the Arab world, would also play a role in this peacekeeping force and has deep connections with elements in Gaza.

Egypt has demanded that Israel relinquish control of the Rafah border crossing and hand over power to a Palestinian authority.

The PA seized power in Gaza in xx, after losing a general election to Hamas but were soon driven out by forces loyal to the Islamist movement.

Hamas's takeover of the enclave led to a punishing Israeli siege that has impoverished millions of Palestinians and resulted in the 7 October attacks.

Hamas has gone underground since Israel's war on Gaza began and has rejected any prospect of stepping down from power.

The UAE has close relations with the PA's past Gaza enforcer Mohammed Dahlan who according to some reports is being primed for a senior post-war position in the enclave.