Gaza: Arabs Between Resistance Support and Betrayal by Normalization and Entertainment

Since the launch of the  Al-Aqsa Flood battle on October 7, 2023, the Arab and Islamic regions have witnessed sharp divergences in responses to this historic event. These reactions range from supportive stances to silence, indifference, or even gloating and celebration over the deaths and devastation in Gaza.

The position of the resistance front in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran has been clear, condemning the genocidal war waged by the Zionist war machine, backed by the U.S., against the Palestinian people in Gaza. In stark contrast, the normalization regimes of the Arab world have been dancing on the remains of more than 42,718 martyrs and 100,282 injured, most of them children and women, as the horror continues.

Celebrating While Gaza Burns

Amid the defining moment for Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims brought about by Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a contrasting scene unfolded. Saudi Arabia’s relentless entertainment festivals, which have continued for over a year, are only part of it. On Friday, October 20, 2023, over 100,000 young people gathered for a concert in Alexandria, Egypt, just miles from Gaza, where the people are being massacred. The crowd jostled, leading to fainting and scuffles, sparking criticism from Egyptian activists. They questioned how such a raucous event could take place while Gaza faces extermination.

This raises an important question: How have the streets of these countries been silent in support of Gaza, with public gatherings being banned even for numbers not exceeding a few dozen?

These entertainment events are not coincidental; they are part of a calculated psychological war aimed at distracting the Arab and Islamic world. The Zionist enemy, supported by the U.S., seeks to separate these nations from their cause, while focusing their efforts on waging a brutal assault on Gaza. Meanwhile, the world watches as an entire population, mostly women and children, is being exterminated, while Arab countries invest billions in entertainment rather than aid for Gaza’s starving and suffering population.

Arab and Islamic Betrayal

The disconnect between Arab regimes and the suffering of the Palestinian people is palpable. Dr. Zaid Ahmad Al-Muhaysin wrote in an article that while Western university students protest in solidarity with Palestinians, Arab governments fail to uphold even basic humanitarian or legal rights for the Palestinian cause. The sense of betrayal among Palestinians grows as they witness their Arab brethren, with whom they share language, history, and religion, remain passive amid one of the most horrific modern tragedies.

The Palestinian people are being abandoned politically, economically, and even basic humanitarian support. Yet, the hope remains with younger generations, who reject this betrayal and demand justice for Palestine, recognizing it as a universal human cause.

Yemen’s Commitment: A Reproach to the Betrayers

Palestinian refugee Mohammad Ahmad Al-Eila pointed out that while Gaza has suffered immensely, Saudi Arabia has taken no practical steps to curb the aggression, instead leveraging the blood of Palestinians to elevate normalization with Israel. He added that Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement stands as proof that geographic distance or oppressive regimes are not excuses for inaction. Yemenis, despite American enticements to remove them from terrorism lists, have fought against Israeli terrorism, and they have found ways to support Gaza both by sea and air, even under immense military and political pressure.

Jordanian engineer Ashraf Fahoush echoed this sentiment, expressing disbelief at the lack of security Arabs feel in their homes while witnessing the plight of their neighbors in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, without any meaningful military or political intervention from Arab governments. He emphasized that this is a war for existence, not just borders.

The Resistance Fronts

In contrast to the normalized Arab states, the resistance front, especially in Yemen, has shown unparalleled support. For more than a year, Yemen’s streets have been filled with millions rallying in support of Gaza, a phenomenon that has stunned the world. According to Abdul Bari Atwan, editor-in-chief of Rai al-Youm, these demonstrations reveal the true stance of Arab people, in contrast to the passive and complicit governments. Yemen’s position is clear and steadfast; the Palestinian cause comes even before their own.

Under the leadership of Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badruldeen al-Houthi, Yemen has continued to offer material and military support to the Palestinian cause, participating in the Promised Victory and Sacred Jihad battle. The support from Yemen is matched by actions from Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, which have all contributed directly to strengthening Gaza’s resistance.

While Arab nations normalize relations and entertain themselves, the resistance front remains a beacon of hope, standing firm in the face of a genocidal enemy.