Palestinian officials reacted with anger to the Aug. 13 announcement of a US-brokered agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates that includes fully normalized relations, describing the accord as a “crime."

Nabil Shaath, a senior adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, told Al-Monitor that the tripartite US-UAE-Israel agreement “is a crime by the UAE against Palestinians.” Shaath said there is "no justification for the action of the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed, who was genuinely committed to the Palestinian cause.” Shaath said the UAE decision comes at a time when there is no Arab consensus, no high-level meetings taking place and no deterrence of Israel.

Shaath questioned the claim that the UAE brought about the postponement of annexation of parts of the West Bank, given that Israel itself has repeatedly said the decision on annexation is dependent on the United States. Shaath said the Emirati leaders "didn’t even consult with the owners of the land, the Palestinians."

“This is a free gift to Israel. The Emirates are selling us out. Why?" he asked