For the first time, an airline has operated a direct flight between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, countries that have no formal diplomatic ties. Etihad Airways flew from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv with a cargo of relief supplies for the Palestinian Territories. Previously, such a flight always had to make a stopover in another country.
The Emirates say they will not recognize Israel until progress is made in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, which has been standing still for years. But both countries see Iran’s nuclear program and military ambitions as a threat, and have tightened ties behind the scenes in the past decade. This flight is a new step in that process.
Fight the coronavirus
Etihad’s plane, all shares owned by the Abu Dhabi government, flew to Tel Aviv because the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank have no airports. There were no passengers on board, but 14 tons of protective clothing, respirators and other medical equipment. The cargo comes from a stock of relief supplies from the United Nations, which are stored in the Emirates.
The relief supplies are intended to help the Palestinians in their fight against the corona virus. According to official figures, 340 people have so far been infected with the virus in the Palestinian territories, two of whom have died.
Although the Emirates does not officially recognize Israel, there is still contact between the two countries. Israelis can travel to the Emirates, and Israel has a small delegation to the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.
Israel will also participate in Expo 2020 next year, the world exhibition held in the emirate of Dubai. However, for example, telephone conversations between the Emirates and Israel are still not possible.
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