France24’s long-form video report, titled All Eyes on Gaza: UAE Positioning Itself for the Post-War Period, features UAE’s extensive aid, medical evacuations, and infrastructure projects, and positions the country as a crucial actor in Gaza’s restabilization and future development while advocating for peace and regional stability.
A Key Hub for Humanitarian Aid
The report follows evacuees to Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC), currently housing more than 2,200 Gazans. It depicts the support provided by the facility including a school, medical and physiotherapy facilities, playrooms, and services.
Aid & Infrastructure Projects
The report recognizes that UAE’s regional peace efforts have allowed UAE humanitarian access to Gaza, notably via Egypt. Along the Gaza border, showcasing the remains of Rafah, the documentary focuses on the work of UAE engineers.
Floating Hospital
The report continues in the UAE floating hospital in Al Arish, described as ‘equipped with cutting-edge technologies and operating theatres which can go up to 15 surgeries a day, one of the most prestigious healthcare facilities in the region’.
Regional Engagement
While the piece notes that the UAE is on its way to becoming ‘the regional power best placed to influence the future of Palestine,’ In an interview, HE Reem Al Hashimy sets the terms of UAE’s regional engagement.
Her Excellency discussed the UAE’s stance on regional security, stating that “there is no point to rebuild and then have this repeat. We need to break this perpetual cycle of violence. If Israel were to recognize that for a long-term peace, the Palestinian people are to also have their own state, that would be the game changer that would also allow the Arab world to come forward in their relationship with Israel.” HE added that it is equally important that a competent and reformed transparent Palestinian government can rise to the occasion to provide for the needs of its people.
Non-Interference in Gaza Politics
It is mentioned that the UAE claims it will not interfere in Gaza politics. The report briefly mentions Mohamed Dahlan’s ‘exile’ in Abu Dhabi, where he has been entrusted with charitable initiatives in the past, while highlighting his controversial status.
The Future of Gaza: A Massive Challenge
The documentary ends following back the young Mustafa and Ali, a month after their arrival in Abu Dhabi, while they attempt to start their lives again, far from home, and regain strength. The report ends by stating that at home in Gaza, everything would have to be rebuilt, ‘a massive challenge the Emirates are also preparing for.’
The documentary will be broadcast on France24 and is available in three languages. France24 boasts a broadcasting reach of 522 million households and attracts 23 million monthly digital visits, with 213 million video views.
