UAE Moves to Undermine U.S.-Hamas Negotiations on Gaza in Coordination with Israel

According to sources speaking to Emirates Leaks, Abu Dhabi has mobilized its loyal lobbying groups and individuals within U.S. official circles to express opposition to any negotiations or American rapprochement with Hamas that bypass Israeli and Emirati interests in continuing the war of extermination in Gaza.

The sources emphasized that the UAE has insisted to Trump’s administration on the necessity of allowing Israel to eliminate Hamas and preventing the group from imposing its stance on any post-war arrangements for Gaza. Additionally, the UAE is keen on maintaining Hamas’s classification as a “terrorist” organization that must be eradicated.

UAE and Saudi Arabia Condition Gaza Reconstruction on Hamas Disarmament

The sources also noted that the UAE views any U.S. recognition of Hamas’s role as an obstacle to its plans of installing pro-Emirati figures—among them the dismissed Fatah leader—in a leadership position within the Palestinian political scene, particularly in Gaza.

This move is reportedly being coordinated closely with Netanyahu’s office, which has repeatedly praised the UAE’s stance on the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza. Abu Dhabi remains firm on its condition that Hamas and Palestinian resistance groups must be completely disarmed before any funding for reconstruction can proceed.

Recently, the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, which is close to Netanyahu, reported that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are conditioning their financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction on the full disarmament of Hamas.

According to the newspaper, despite general agreement on Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, Saudi Arabia and the UAE refuse to participate financially or operationally unless Hamas is removed from governance and surrenders its weapons.

These disputes were reportedly disclosed by Arab and American sources following high-level meetings in Riyadh last week. The reconstruction issue dominated discussions between Saudi, Emirati, Egyptian, and Qatari officials during these meetings.

Egypt presented a plan proposing the formation of a governmental body to oversee reconstruction at an estimated cost of $20–30 billion. The plan deliberately excluded both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, aligning with Israeli demands.

However, Saudi Arabia and the UAE declined to financially support the plan unless Hamas was fully disarmed. They also rejected any compromise regarding Hamas’s role in Gaza, insisting that the group is responsible for the war and its devastating consequences for Gaza’s residents.

Abu Dhabi further urged Riyadh to ensure Hamas’s complete disarmament, arguing that allowing the group to retain its weapons would eventually lead to Gaza’s destruction again, even after reconstruction.

Contrary to the UAE’s agenda, however, the Trump administration opted for direct negotiations with Hamas leaders for the first time.

In this context, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler described the ongoing talks with Hamas as “very productive” and later stated that he believed “something could happen within weeks.”

The Trump administration is advocating for an agreement that would secure the release of all remaining Israeli and American captives held by Hamas in Gaza and extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, potentially leading to a long-term truce, according to Axios.

Relative calm has prevailed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, bringing an end to 15 months of deadly Israeli warfare. However, the first phase of the agreement expired over a week ago, and the second phase has stalled, leaving Gaza in a state of uncertainty.