UAE and Qatar both share a common fate

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ties remain a cornerstone of Arab relations, the UAE’s Al Bayan said. “GCC relations have been characterised by coordination and strength in facing recent regional developments. Shaikh Tamim’s visit to the UAE reflects the depth of UAE-Qatar relations. It is unthinkable under any circumstances to assume or imagine that the GCC is prone to disagreements or differences. UAE’s policy has always been one of harmony, taking into account the past, present and future. UAE’s leaders always foresee a future that is based on coordination between brothers and neighbours. They are resolute on the fact that the GCC must remain united and strong in light of changes taking place around the world.”

Commenting on the issue, Qatar’s Al Sharq daily said that relations between the UAE and Qatar are strong and [both countries share] a common fate. Both states are keen on further developing these relations and driving them towards even greater positive and strategic cooperation. “The discussions held between Shaikh Tamim and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will bolster bilateral relations in all fields, and were an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on ways to propel the march of the GCC’s joint work. Shaikh Tamim has already spoken about the importance of GCC relations. During an address to the nation at the opening of the Shura Council in November 2014, Shaikh Tamim said that the consolidation of the GCC, the reinforcement of Qatar’s relations with all GCC member states and deepening the fraternity among us remain at the top of our foreign policy [agenda].”

Writing about the Israeli military’s report, Oman’s Al Watan noted that Israel, which launched a destructive war against the Gaza Strip last summer, has seemingly taken upon itself to deem the aggression “lawful” and “legitimate”. “The catastrophic aftermath of this so-called lawful aggression is still being felt. Until this very day, there are thousands of destroyed homes in Gaza and the owners of these homes are not able to rebuild them due to the Israeli siege on the Strip. And let’s not forget the thousands who have been killed and injured, especially the children. [Israel’s war] was basically a massive slaughter against the people of Gaza. In light of these facts, it is logical to conclude that the aggressor has simply evaded trial in order continue carrying out acts of violence, and is free from any accountability while doing so.”

Palestine’s Al Quds newspaper said that the findings of the Israeli report are derisory. “The findings denied that Israel, as per international laws, committed any war crimes during the aggression. This is a pre-emptive attempt by Israel to mislead international public opinion ahead of the upcoming report of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This report coincides with an incident in which Israeli soldiers were filmed mercilessly beating a restrained Palestinian man in the Jalazun refugee camp. The soldiers were given sentences ranging from community service to base confinement. These sentences are preposterous.”