Etihad making first known flight between UAE and Israel
A Muslim woman wears gloves and prays in east Jerusalem's Mount of Olives, overlooking the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque compound, which remains shut to prevent the spread of coronavirus during the holy month of Ramadan, Friday, May 1, 2020.[AP/ Ariel Schalit]
Etihad Airways says it is flying aid for the Palestinians amid the coronavirus pandemic into Israel, marking the first known direct commercial flight between nations.
The Abu Dhabi-based, state-owned airline for the United Arab Emirates said the flight would take off Tuesday.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry and airport officials confirmed the flight would land in Tel Aviv.
The United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai, has no diplomatic ties to Israel over it occupying land the Palestinians want for a future state.