'Israel-UAE deal null and void for Turkey'

ANKARA

Turkey again lambasted on Friday a recent deal between the UAE and Israel to normalize ties between the two countries, saying the agreement is null and void for Turkey.

"This step, which ignores the rights of Palestinians, has already been condemned in the conscience of the peoples of the region, especially the Palestinians," Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter.

Altun stressed that the agreement had clearly shown "those who are behind the wave of instability that took the region for a long time," as well as those who had been "using the Palestinian people's righteous cause for their own interests."

He underlined that Turkey has always supported a fair resolution to the conflict in Palestine and would oppose third countries trying to claim ownership of the issue, threatening the existence of Palestinians and disregarding their rights.

He went on to say that the Israel-UAE deal damaged prospects for peace and conciliation that the world wants in the region.

"Unfair steps taken without the consent of the parties will not bring peace to our region," he said, calling on everyone to react to this dangerous cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the region.

"Turkey will never leave Palestine alone on any platform."

Israel-UAE deal

The deal to normalize UAE-Israel ties was announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, forestalling Israel's controversial plans to annex large swathes of the occupied West Bank.

A joint statement by the US, UAE and Israel said the "breakthrough" would promote "peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders," referring to Trump, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian groups denounced the new agreement, saying it does nothing to serve the Palestinian cause and ignores the rights of the Palestinian people. The UAE's peace deal with Israel is a "treacherous stab in the back of the Palestinian people," Hamas said in a statement.