EU welcomes Israel-UAE relations deal

The EU's executive on Friday welcomed the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalise diplomatic ties, saying it would benefit both countries and help promote stability in the Middle East.

"It is important for both (countries) and for regional stability," a European Commission spokeswoman told a news briefing.

"Both countries are our partners and of course ... we are committed to a two-state solution and we are of course ready to work on a resumption of the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians."

Under the accord, which US President Donald Trump helped broker, Israel agreed to suspend its planned annexation of areas of the occupied West Bank. It also firms up opposition to regional power Iran, which the UAE, Israel and the United States view as the main threat in the conflict-riven Middle East.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed an agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates that will lead to a full normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two states.

"The UAE and Israel's decision to normalise relations is hugely good news," Johnson said on Twitter.

"It was my profound hope that annexation did not go ahead in the West Bank and today's agreement to suspend those plans is a welcome step on the road to a more peaceful Middle East."

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said it was "time for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, the only route to lasting peace."

France also welcomed the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Thursday.

Israel's decision to suspend its planned annexation of areas of the occupied West Bank under the historic agreement is a "positive step", Le Drian said in a statement, adding that the suspension "must become a definitive measure."

The accord paved the way for a resumption of talks between Israelis and Palestinians with the aim to establish two states, he said, calling it "the only option" to achieve peace in the region.