Egypt’s El Sisi praises UAE-Israel accord in call to Netanyahu

Egyptian President says agreement is step towards peace between Palestinians and Israelis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, said on Tuesday that the diplomatic accord between the United Arab Emirates and Israel was a step towards a peaceful Palestinian-Israeli settlement. AFP

The deal to normalise relations between the UAE and Israel is a step towards Palestinian-Israeli peace that includes an independent Palestinian state and protecting Israel’s security, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said on Tuesday.

Mr El Sisi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over phone, his office said.

The UAE-Israel accord, reached on August 13, paves the way for normalisation of relations and includes Israel's suspension of plans to annex Palestinian land in the West Bank.

The deal was mediated by the US.

Egypt, which in 1979 became the first Arab nation to sign a peace agreement with Israel, has welcomed the accord.

Cairo and the UAE are close allies, with the Emirates among the biggest foreign investors in Egypt and possibly its largest benefactor.

The two nations share similar policies on some of the region’s flashpoints, including Libya and Iraq.

Mr El Sisi renewed Egypt’s support for any step towards regional peace, protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and allowing the creation of their independent nation.

Cairo also supports steps that assure Israel of its security, he said.

“The declaration of a UAE-Israeli accord sponsored by the United States is a step in that direction.”

Mr El Sisi also warned Mr Netanyahu against action that could undermine the chance for peace, “especially the annexation of Palestinians lands”.