Palestine, particularly the Gaza Strip, has been suffering a tragic humanitarian crisis for decades. In this modern and technologically advanced world, the people of Gaza are left powerless, besieged, hungry, and wounded, with no shelter from bombs, no healing for their injuries, and no food for their starving children. The oppressors have made life unbearable for them. The massacre of countless innocent Palestinians, the martyrdom of women and children, and the complete blockade depriving them of necessities of life all constitute a clear example of systematic genocide. However, a pressing question arises: While protests in Western countries are in full swing, why are Muslim nations, especially neighbouring Arab states, not taking effective action against this oppression? The reason is not merely political expediency but the military, educational, and social onslaught that the U.S. and Israel have waged against the Muslim world over the past 25 years. American Military Onslaught and the Weakness of Muslim Nations Over the last 25 years, the U.S. has spent approximately $880 trillion on its defence budget. The primary objective was to weaken the powerful Muslim nations surrounding Israel so they could not play an effective role in the Palestinian issue. To achieve this, the U.S. adopted the following strategies:
While you may not stand physically in Gaza, you can stand for Gaza in terms of raising awareness, educating others towards the truth on that, advocating for the Gaza people on every platform available, and engaging in peaceful but powerful campaigns against oppression.
Egypt: The Fall of the Pro-Palestine Government: In 2013, the democratically elected government of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt, which held a clear stance in favour of Palestine, was overthrown in a military coup. Subsequently, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s regime, subservient to U.S. and Israeli interests, was installed. Today, Egypt, which once was Palestine’s greatest supporter, is aiding Israel in enforcing a complete blockade on Gaza.
Iraq, Syria, and Libya: Destruction and Civil War: The U.S. and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and plunging the country into chaos. American interference in Syria fueled a civil war, weakening the government. Similarly, Libya descended into turmoil after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. These nations are now too preoccupied with their crises to raise their voices for Palestine.
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States: Alignment with the U.S: Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have recently normalised relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. These nations are U.S. defence allies, and their economies depend on oil sales controlled by Western powers. Hence, they cannot openly oppose Israel on the Palestinian issue.
While large-scale pro-Palestine demonstrations are taking place in Western nations, Arab countries have not seen similar mass movements due to several key factors. Firstly, governments maintain tight control over sermons and media, particularly Friday sermons in mosques, where official representatives ensure preachers avoid strong language against Israel or the U.S., restricting open discussions on Palestine in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Secondly, state-controlled education systems deliberately downplay the Palestinian issue, with schools in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations reducing emphasis on Palestinian history in their curricula. Thirdly, authorities aggressively suppress dissent by cracking down on social media activism and public protests, arresting individuals who express solidarity with Palestine online or organise demonstrations, effectively stifling any significant public pressure. These measures collectively create an environment where widespread mobilisation in support of Palestine becomes nearly impossible, despite deep-seated public sympathy for the cause.
The Silence of Muslim Nations is Not a Coincidence: This silence is the result of a “deliberate strategy”. Over the past 25 years, the U.S. and Israel have systematically weakened the Muslim world, leaving it entangled in its crises. Arab nations are either too weak or have become U.S. allies. Yet, the Palestinian cause remains alive. Muslims worldwide continue to raise their voices. The need of the hour is for Muslim nations to overcome their internal weaknesses and adopt a unified stance. Until Palestine is free, the unity of the Muslim Ummah will remain incomplete.
Solution: A Path Forward: The oppression in Palestine and the silence of Muslim governments reflect a deep political and ideological crisis. However, a solution is not impossible. If the following measures are implemented, not only can the voice for Palestinian rights grow stronger, but the Muslim world can also restore its strength and dignity.
To effectively raise awareness in Muslim societies about the Palestinian struggle, a multi-pronged approach must be implemented. First and foremost, targeted social media campaigns should be launched across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, utilising impactful visuals, infographics, and viral hashtags to disseminate facts about Israel’s occupation, Palestinian history, and ongoing human rights violations. These campaigns should feature testimonies from Gaza residents, historical comparisons, and explainers debunking Zionist narratives, while encouraging influencers and religious figures to amplify the message. Simultaneously, grassroots educational initiatives must be organised, including open forums at universities where scholars, activists, and war survivors can speak, alongside mosque-based workshops after Friday prayers that connect Palestine’s plight to Islamic teachings about justice. Community centres should host regular film screenings of documentaries like “5 Broken Cameras” or “The Occupation of the American Mind,” followed by panel discussions. Additionally, a cultural mobilisation effort is needed to distribute books-from classics like Edward Said’s “The Question of Palestine” to contemporary works by Palestinian authors-through libraries, book clubs, and school programs, with free digital copies circulated online. To engage youth, interactive methods like podcast series, animated explainer videos, and even video game mods depicting life under occupation could make the issue relatable. This comprehensive awareness strategy must bridge generational gaps, combining modern digital activism with traditional community outreach to re-centre Palestine in the Muslim consciousness.
To compel Muslim leaders to take meaningful action for Palestine, a dual strategy of diplomatic pressure and economic measures must be pursued. Citizens and advocacy groups should consistently urge their governments to adopt stronger diplomatic steps, such as recalling ambassadors, suspending normalisation deals like the Abraham Accords, and downgrading relations with Israel. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should serve as a unified platform to coordinate these efforts, ensuring Muslim nations speak with one voice in international forums like the UN. To foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian struggle, education systems must incorporate Palestinian history and Zionist crimes into school curricula, ensuring future generations learn the truth. Additionally, promoting independent journalism is essential to challenge Israeli propaganda and provide unbiased reporting on the occupation. Alongside this, global efforts should highlight Palestinian culture, literature, and art to amplify their voices, preserve their heritage, and garner international solidarity. These reforms in education and media are crucial for justice, awareness, and resistance against oppression.
To intensify global pressure on Israel, coordinated efforts must include filing legal cases in international courts to hold it accountable for war crimes and violations of international law. Alongside legal action, a widespread boycott of companies that fund or support Israel’s occupation can weaken its economic and political backing. Furthermore, building strong alliances with justice-seeking non-Muslim groups in Western countries, including human rights organisations, anti-war activists, and progressive movements, can amplify solidarity and challenge pro-Israel narratives. These organised global protests are essential in isolating Israel politically, economically, and morally until justice for Palestine is achieved.
To strengthen global solidarity with Palestine, it is essential to prioritise the issue in international conferences, ensuring it remains a key topic on the global agenda. Additionally, leveraging poetry, films, and arts can powerfully depict Palestinian suffering, fostering empathy and awareness worldwide. Furthermore, engaging in interfaith dialogues with Jewish and Christian leaders who oppose Israeli aggression helps build alliances across religious divides, promoting a united front against oppression and advocating for justice. Together, these political, cultural, and interfaith efforts can amplify the Palestinian voice and advance the cause for freedom and dignity.
The way forward demands that Arab rulers prioritise human values, Islamic principles, and justice over economic interests. They must wield oil as a strategic weapon against nations supporting Israeli aggression, leveraging it to demand political change. Additionally, fostering stronger trade and cooperation among Muslim nations will build self-reliance and unity, while reducing dependence on the West ensures greater autonomy in decision-making. By taking these bold steps, Arab leaders can uphold moral responsibility, strengthen regional solidarity, and advance the Palestinian cause with unwavering resolve. History remembers leaders who stand on principles. Supporting Palestine is not just a political stance; it is a demand of humanity, Islamic brotherhood, and historical justice.
Pray for the People of Gaza: With deep pain and sadness, I continue to contemplate: do the world’s powerful leaders and Muslim rulers not see what Israel is doing? Is it not their sacred duty to stand with the oppressed, the innocent children of Gaza, the mothers, sisters, and elderly people who cry for help and mercy? OH people in positions! Can you not raise your voices against this injustice? How long will you remain silent? Do you forget that this world is temporary, and that one day every soul will be held accountable before the Court of Allah? My friends pray for the people of Gaza and believe that ALLAH Almighty is very powerful. Indeed, Allah is able to save the oppressed from the wrongdoers. May Allah help the people of Gaza, strengthen their hearts, grant them victory, and destroy the forces of tyranny.
The Vibrant Role of Muslim Youth: I urge the youth of the Muslim Ummah, this is the time to awaken. Young minds must realise that they are the energy, the voice, and the future of the Ummah. While you may not stand physically in Gaza, you can stand for Gaza in terms of raising awareness, educating others towards the truth on that, advocating for the Gaza people on every platform available, and engaging in peaceful but powerful campaigns against oppression. Support humanitarian aid, use your skills to break misinformation and disinformation, and speak with courage and bravery where others are silent. Above all, strengthen your faith, for a heart connected to Allah becomes fearless before the cruel and oppressors. Youth must remember that the strength of the Ummah lies in your sincerity, unity, and action. Gaza’s children are your brothers and sisters. Their pain is your pain. Rise, speak, and act, for silence is complicity, but action is hope. Keep on struggling for their freedom and a peaceful life. INSHA ALLAH.
Shahbaz Ali Anjum is a PhD Scholar, University of the Punjab. He is a dedicate researcher and public speaker, led numerous workshops and seminars for professionals, academics, and research scholars.
Dr. Muhammad Usman Bazmi is an academic & researcher with over 15 years of experience in teaching at various universities in Islamabad.