WATCH: The diplomatic power struggle behind the scenes of Gaza War – Qatar vs. the UAE

As fighting continues in Gaza, two Gulf states battle for diplomatic supremacy

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As the fighting in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas terrorists continues, two Gulf countries are vying for diplomatic power behind the scenes of the war that has been raging for half a year now.

“Tell me which country is the big winner of the war in Gaza until now? The one that succeeded in turning the crisis into an opportunity? If you said ‘the Emirates,’ you are probably right,” said Roi Kais, Arab Affairs Correspondent for Kan News.

While Qatar has historically been a key supporter of Hamas, leveraging its influence to position itself as an indispensable mediator between the group and Israel, the United Arab Emirates has not exerted significant influence in the region to date.

The Gaza War has opened a “vacuum in the region,” as Kais put it, enabling the UAE to step in. “The Emirates set a world record in helping our brothers in the Gaza Strip. We see the quality and unprecedented actions of the Emirates,” Emirati journalist Muhammad Taqi said.

“Since the start of the war in Gaza, the Emirates emerged as the spearhead of the humanitarian aid effort, certainly among the Arab countries,” Kais noted.

The UAE’s efforts included the creation of a maritime corridor to transfer aid to Gaza, which thus far has been used to bring thousands of tons of humanitarian aid.

The UAE also participated in the supply airdrops; built a desalination facility in the northern Sinai to provide water, established the most advanced field hospital in Rafah, and plans to build tens of thousands of shelters for the displaced Gazans.

“This is a pure humanitarian action of religious significance. We are helping our brothers in Palestine,” said Fatima al-Hatali, an Emirati volunteer in Gaza.

Kais suggests that a driving force behind these substantial efforts could be the desire to win back the sympathy of the Arab public.

“There is, of course, the issue of Arab public opinion, against the backdrop of the criticism pointed at the Emirates after it normalized relations with Israel, but there is seemingly something here that goes beyond that.”

The Hamas massacre on Oct. 7 threw a bad light on its sponsor, the Republic of Qatar, opening a vacuum that could allow the UAE to establish a much more significant foothold in the Palestinian arena.

“Here is the place to mention Mohammed Dahlan, a senior member of Fatah and the sworn rival of [Palestinian Authority President] Abu Mazen, who was exiled to the UAE,” Kais continued.

Dahlan was born in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, giving him deep connections in the area. After being exiled by the Palestinian Authority, he became a close advisor to the UAE’s ruling family.

“When talking about the ‘day after’ there are some who might see him as an option, especially if he is supported by Abu Dhabi,” Kais said.

The Emirates' aid efforts are winning them points with the Palestinians, Arab public opinion, and the international arena, without costing them anything except money.

“They see themselves becoming an upgraded version of Qatar. A country that mediates between everyone just without the connection to any terrorist organizations,” he said .