Monitoring Desk: A documentary examining the legacy and future of the Abraham Accords has argued that the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states are facing mounting challenges amid the Gaza conflict, rising regional tensions, and renewed international attention on Palestinian statehood.
The documentary, featured in The Power Game with Naveed Hussain, broadcast by Express News explores the origins, objectives, and geopolitical consequences of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, which were launched in 2020 under then-U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreements led to the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, establishing diplomatic ties, direct flights, and avenues for economic, technological, and security cooperation.
Famous analysts such as Syed Mushahid Hussain Syed, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi and Dr. Huma Baqai expressed their views in the documentary that indicates that accords became a central component of Washington’s broader strategy to reshape the Middle East through new political, economic, and security partnerships. Supporters viewed the agreements as a breakthrough that could foster regional integration and reduce longstanding tensions.
The documentary also highlights strong criticism from analysts and commentators who argue that the accords sidelined the Palestinian issue and departed from the traditional position held by many Muslim-majority countries. Critics contend that normalization with Israel had historically been linked to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital.
According to the documentary, the UAE was offered advanced military technology and fighter aircraft, Morocco received U.S. recognition of its claim over Western Sahara, Bahrain benefited from enhanced economic and security cooperation, and Sudan secured debt-relief measures.
The documentary examines competing assessments of the accords’ impact. While supporters emphasize economic integration, technological cooperation, trade expansion, and regional connectivity, critics argue that the political costs have outweighed anticipated economic gains.
Several commentators featured in the film maintain that economic development cannot replace a political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They argue that public opinion across the Middle East and wider Muslim world continues to strongly support Palestinian rights and statehood.
The documentary suggests that the agreements contributed to new strategic alignments between Israel and some Arab states but also exposed divisions within the broader Muslim world over how to address the Palestinian issue.
The documentary contends that the Palestinian issue has returned to the center of regional diplomacy, reversing earlier assumptions that normalization could advance independently of progress toward Palestinian statehood.
The documentary identifies Saudi Arabia as a key player in determining the future trajectory of the Abraham Accords.
According to experts despite extensive diplomatic engagement by Washington before and after the Gaza conflict, Riyadh has not joined the accords and continues to emphasize Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for recognition.
The documentary notes that no new countries have joined the Abraham Accords since Morocco and Sudan became part of the initiative.
The film also examines Pakistan’s longstanding position on Israel and Palestine. It cites statements from Pakistani officials reaffirming that Islamabad will not recognize Israel until an independent and contiguous Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital as per 1967 status and boundaries of Palestine. According to the documentary, Pakistani authorities describe this position as a principled policy rooted in support for Palestinian self-determination. The documentary also references Pakistan’s historical stance on the issue, including positions associated with the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The documentary discusses remarks reportedly made by U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2026, in which he suggested that additional countries—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan—should consider joining the Abraham Accords as part of a broader regional settlement.
However, analysts interviewed in the film expressed doubts about the prospects for expansion. They cited the continuing Gaza conflict, tensions involving Iran, and broader shifts in the regional security environment as significant obstacles.
The documentary argues that unresolved questions regarding Palestinian sovereignty and statehood continue to shape public opinion and government policies across the Middle East, limiting the momentum behind further normalization efforts.
The documentary concludes that despite evolving alliances and shifting regional power dynamics, the future of Middle East peace efforts will largely depend on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and addressing demands for Palestinian statehood.
