New normal takes shape for Israel, Palestinians, UAE - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Week in Review

Week in Review

Oct 30, 2020

An Israeli policewoman stands guard at an entrance of the al-Aqsa compound, leading to the Dome of the Rock mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem on October 18, 2020, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic crisis. - Israel began to ease its month-long coronavirus nationwide lockdown, allowing citizens to venture further than 1km (0.6 miles) away from their home with preschools, daycare centres and places of worship reopening to all, under some restrictions. (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUN — An Israeli policewoman stands guard at an entrance of the Al-Aqsa compound, leading to the Dome of the Rock mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem on Oct. 18, 2020. — EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

A new normal is taking form in Israel and the occupied territories following the signing of the Abraham Accords last month.

This unfolding state of affairs includes Israelis energized by the prospects of peace, friendship and business ties with the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf; Arab citizens with anxious and mixed feelings; and Palestinians angry enough to harass Gulf visitors at the Al-Aqsa mosque.

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Tourists gather at Abu Dhabi sea front before a heavy rain storm on March 9, 2016.
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/ AFP / STRINGER (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

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