The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused human suffering and global tensions. Leaders of the GCC and ASEAN have called for a peaceful solution based on the pre-1967 borders. The Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the Palestinian people. Russia has presented a resolution to the UNSC for a humanitarian ceasefire. Religious leaders have emphasized the urgent need for justice with the two-state solution. The Uyghur World Congress has criticized Hamas attacks in Israel.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has generated a state of tension within the global community, inflicting human suffering in the form of loss of lives and widespread destruction from both sides of the region.
Considering the current situation and historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, leaders of the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Cooperation_Council" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have issued a joint appeal to all parties involved. The appeal calls for a diligent pursuit of a peaceful solution, based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
During the "Cairo Summit for Peace" held in Egypt on Saturday, October 21, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, firmly expressed the Kingdom's unconditional support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate cause for an independent state. He emphasized that the Saudi government categorically condemns any form of human rights violation and attacks on civilian populations by any faction. Finally, he called on the international community to take a decisive stance, urging Israel to respect human rights in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In light of the sensitivity of the situation, Russia presented a resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
It may be noted that the Hamas surprise attack, which caused the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, has been associated by some with the worst massacre against the Jewish population since the Holocaust during World War II.
The vote on the resolution revealed that only four countries supported it, including China, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, and Gabon. In contrast, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan opposed it, while six countries abstained. It is important to note that the adoption of any resolution in the council composed of 15 members requires a minimum of nine affirmative votes.
In addition, some Muslim countries have aligned themselves on the issue of Palestine and are working together to ease tensions in the Gaza Strip, with the common goal of facilitating the establishment of a two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine.
It is noteworthy that some Western and Eastern countries, including China, have a long history of maintaining friendly relations with Palestine. China formally recognized Palestine as a state in 1988 and subsequently established full diplomatic relations in 1989. Since joining the United Nations in 1971, China has consistently supported Israel's complete withdrawal from the Palestinian territories through numerous requests and resolutions.
The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other Western powers have called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.
Religious leaders from around the world have highlighted the enduring suffering of the Palestinians and emphasized the urgent need for justice by adopting the two-state solution, which many believe is a guarantee of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and the rest of the world.
Some religious leaders have criticized what they define as a double standard by the international community and what is often called the "civilized world." These authorities condemn the attacks that have caused the death of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly in the Gaza Strip. While recognizing the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, these leaders believe that attacks against civilians should be firmly condemned, and that the international community should be determined to protect human lives and find a peaceful solution to end the violence.
Isa Dolkun, President of the World Uyghur Congress , an organization that promotes the rights of the Uyghur minority, has criticized Hamas missile attacks against civilian targets in Israel. While recognizing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the suffering endured in the Gaza Strip, Dolkun has described Hamas attacks against Israeli civilians as immoral and counterproductive to the Palestinian cause. Dolkun has also expressed concern about an escalation of violence that would result in further innocent casualties on both sides.
In a social media post, Dolkun expressed sincere condolences for the death of Israeli civilians in Hamas missile attacks. In the same message, he also expressed concern for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, recalling the dramatic living conditions due to the blockade and repeated armed conflicts that have caused many casualties among Palestinians as well.
Amine Ertürk, a Turkish citizen, has criticized Dolkun for ignoring the "prolonged illegal occupation" by Israel and the existence of an apartheid regime in the Gaza Strip for decades.
According to an international analyst, the statement by the World Uyghur Congress diverges from the Muslim position, creating tensions with the Arab world.
Some Muslim leaders have expressed solidarity and support for Israel following Hamas missile attacks. However, this position has caused discontent and criticism from some Palestinians and Muslims, who interpret it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.
It is understandable that in such a complex and painful situation, divergent opinions may emerge even within the same community. However, mutual accusations only risk fueling further tensions and divisions.
The main religious institutions and Muslim and Western leaders have expressed concern about attempts to create discord in the Muslim world on the Palestinian issue. They have emphasized the importance for Muslim nations to present a united front under the guidance of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
According to media reports, the number of civilian Palestinian casualties in the clashes in the Gaza Strip is very serious, with many deaths including women and children. The number of Palestinians injured is also high. There are reportedly 4,385 casualties, including 1,765 children, 967 women, and over 13,561 people injured since October 7th.
It is important to acknowledge the pain and tragedy experienced by both sides in this conflict. The path forward cannot be one of violence and armed confrontation, but rather of dialogue and diplomacy, with the goal of achieving a just and lasting peace that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
In this time of crisis, it is important for conscientious Muslims around the world to reflect on the difficult situation of the Palestinian people and the complex challenges they have faced for decades.
However, rather than identifying "enemies," it would be desirable to promote understanding and dialogue among all parties involved. Peace and justice are not built through opposition, but through respect, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground.
As Muslims, our goal should be to foster fraternity and collaboration not only in the Middle East but throughout the world. The injustices and suffering that afflict some peoples should motivate us to greater commitment to the dignity of every human being, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Only in this way can we build a future of peace and justice.
Rehan khan