The Abraham Accords And Their Impact On Palestinian Hopes
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, were touted as a significant step towards peace in the Middle East. The agreements, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab countries, were presented as a means to curb Israeli expansionist policies in Palestine. However, the recent Israeli offensive on Jenin has exposed the failure of these accords in achieving their stated goals.
What is the Abraham Accord?
The Abraham Accords or Peace Deal of the Century or Trump Peace Deal is a declaration undersigned by countries recognizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world. It is based on mutual understanding and coexistence, as well as respect for human dignity and freedom, including religious freedom. The Accords encourage efforts to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue to advance a culture of peace among the three Abrahamic religions and all humanity.
The signatories believe that the best way to address challenges is through cooperation and dialogue and that developing friendly relations among States advances the interests of lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world. They seek tolerance and respect for every person to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope, no matter their race, faith, or ethnicity.
The Accords support science, art, medicine, and commerce to inspire humankind, maximize human potential, and bring nations closer together. They seek to end radicalization and conflict to provide all children a better future. The signatories pursue a vision of peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East and around the world.
In this spirit, the Accords warmly welcome and are encouraged by the progress already made in establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and its neighbors in the region under the principles of the Abraham Accords. They are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand such friendly relations based on shared interests and a shared commitment to a better future.
The accords were primarily business transactions, brokered by former US President Donald Trump, who accommodated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desires. The main outcome was the establishment of the United Arab Emirates as a major trading partner for Israel, abandoning the longstanding Arab boycott of the Zionist state. Despite the UAE’s declared opposition to Israeli occupation and settlement of Palestinian territories, it has started allowing goods from illegal Jewish settlements to be sold in its markets.
The Cost of Normalization
The normalization deals have not changed the situation on the ground in Palestine. Israel continues its systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, with the Israeli authorities persisting in their campaign to expel Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli far-right groups, emboldened by their electoral alliance with Netanyahu, have stepped up harassment of Palestinians. Israeli aggression towards Gaza shows no sign of abating, with the recent assault on the besieged strip marking its third major assault in 10 years.
The Arab public remains committed to defending Palestinians and Jerusalem, including people in the four countries that normalized relations. However, the authoritarian nature of Arab politics prevents the true expression of popular sentiment. The frosty ties between Israel and Jordan are a reminder to all that Israel will never compromise its own interest to maintain a good relationship with any Arab country.
The Abraham Accords: A Stunning Failure
The recent offensive on Jenin underscores the stunning failure of the Abraham Accords. The assault, coupled with the ongoing Israeli aggression, demonstrates that the normalization deals have not brought peace to the Middle East. Instead, they have proven to be mere business transactions for those who engaged in them, potentially costing them their credibility in the region and beyond.
As Jerusalem’s Palestinians fight for their continued presence in the city and Gaza resists the criminal Israeli onslaught, the Abraham Accords have proven to be an utter failure in bringing peace and security to the region. The latest Israeli offensive on Jenin serves as a stark reminder of the Accords’ inability to effect any positive outcome on all fronts.
Keep following us for Current Affairs !