U.S. Vice President Prioritizes Post-War Gaza’s Future in Diplomatic Engagements with Arab Leaders in UAE

Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on an intensive series of diplomatic engagements with Arab leaders on Saturday, focusing primarily on the future landscape of Gaza post-conflict. Her visit to the United Arab Emirates, initially planned for the U.N. climate conference, shifted towards addressing the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Harris held meetings with leaders from the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, and had a phone conversation with Qatar’s emir.

Amidst the backdrop of a renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza following the collapse of a week-long truce, Harris emphasized the importance of Israel protecting Palestinian civilians. She asserted that adherence to international humanitarian law is crucial and called for Israel to take greater measures to safeguard innocent lives in Gaza.

Harris’ discussions in Dubai, the first Arab nation to host the U.N. environmental gathering, extended beyond climate change to the urgency of addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. She acknowledged the severity of the Hamas attack on October 7 that initiated the war and recognized the brief ceasefire that facilitated the release of hostages.

With the resumption of hostilities, the Gaza Health Ministry reported over 200 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli strikes. Harris stressed the need for a strategic plan for Gaza once the fighting ceases, focusing on stability and peace in the region.

During her brief stay at the conference, Harris’s tight schedule meant she missed a session on transitioning to cleaner energy but later delivered a speech committing the U.S. to energy efficiency and renewable energy targets by 2030.

In her talks with Arab leaders, Harris outlined three critical components for post-conflict Gaza: reconstruction, security, and governance. She highlighted the importance of regional and international investment in rebuilding essential infrastructure and services in Gaza. Harris also advocated for strengthening Palestinian Authority security forces to assume responsibilities in Gaza, ensuring terrorist threats against Israel are curtailed.

Furthermore, Harris suggested that the Palestinian Authority, currently governing the West Bank, should also administer Gaza to facilitate lasting peace. She called for the revitalization of the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the need for a transparent and responsive government driven by the Palestinian people’s will.