UAE worried about ‘Hamas-supporting’ Qatar, Turkey in Gaza

An Emirati source warned that pro–Hamas figures are gaining power in plans for post-war Gaza.

By World Israel News Staff

The United Arab Emirates is expressing concern over Qatar and Turkey — two nations known for their close ties with Hamas — having influence in the Gaza Strip. Emirati officials fear that their involvement could enable continued rule of the coastal enclave by the terror group.

At a summit earlier this week in Abu Dhabi, Emirati presidential adviser Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash said the UAE was “unlikely to participate” in an International Stabilization Force that would see international troops from Muslim countries deployed in Gaza.

According to a Jerusalem Post report, one reason behind the UAE’s hesitation is concern that influence from countries friendly to Hamas could undermine such a force.

The UAE views Qatar and Turkey as “Hamas enablers” whose policies will “make it possible for the terrorist organization to continue existing,” an Emirati source told the Post.

“There are interested parties affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood who are currently embedding themselves in key positions in the Gaza reconstruction plan,” the source added.

These comments underscore growing Israeli concerns that Hamas continues to maintain de facto control of the Strip.

The terror group’s refusal to disarm — a key requirement of the October ceasefire agreement — combined with its resumption of governing duties such as tax collection and municipal services, has intensified fears that Hamas is not prepared to relinquish power.

“We really need to fill the vacuum within the Gaza Strip for security,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at a recent security conference in Bahrain. “A Hamas resurgence could trigger renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza.”

At the same conference, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed Wadephul’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of preventing Hamas from rebuilding its political and military influence in Gaza.t “Gaza must not get stuck in a no man’s land between peace and war.”