In the heart of the Arab world lies a deep contradiction that Israel has exploited, creating a rift in Arab consciousness. While many continue to fight for justice, others have been swayed by the complexities of modern politics and media influence.
Israel's joy at the division it has sown in Arab thought is likely greater than its celebration over the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
For Israel, this is not just a victory on the battlefield, but a profound triumph in the ideological war — one that has shaken a segment of the Arab world to its core.
The death of a resistance fighter like Sinwar, seen by many in the West as the 'end' of Hamas, reveals a dangerous misunderstanding of Islamic and Arab resilience.
For those who believe in the Palestinian cause, martyrdom is not the end, but the beginning. It’s a call for perseverance, rooted in centuries of struggle against oppression.
To many Palestinians, the fight against Israeli occupation is a basic right, not a personal vendetta tied to individual leaders. It’s a human cause, born from the desire to reclaim dignity, homeland and freedom — values enshrined in international law and ignored by much of the global community.
Since the events of October 2023, it is clear that Hamas, the Palestinian resistance, and the wider Arab struggle have evolved.
The war has transformed them, but their resolve remains unbroken. The people of Gaza have endured a year of brutal siege, starvation and massacres — a testament to their resilience.
Despite the scorched-earth tactics, their spirit persists, fuelled by a deep-rooted understanding of martyrdom in Islamic thought. This resistance is more than military might; it is about protecting land, honour and the soul of a nation.
Western media, in their celebrations of Sinwar’s death, often miss the point. Their joy ignores the legitimate struggle of Palestinians for national liberation, their right to a homeland, and the genocide they face daily.
Al Aqsa’s Flood — a reference to a recent wave of resistance — shocked not just Israel but the West as well. It brought back memories of historical conflicts between Islamic and Western civilisations, leading many to frame this ongoing struggle as a civilisational clash rather than a human rights issue.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s rhetoric of a 'civilisational war' resonates with this narrative, framing the conflict as one between the forces of darkness and light. However, from the Arab perspective, this war is about defending basic human dignity on ancestral lands.
Optimism about the future remains strong among many Arabs. The belief that Palestinian sacrifices will soon bear fruit is buoyed by the mounting global support for the Palestinian cause.
The Israeli narrative is crumbling in the minds of people worldwide, and future generations, including decision-makers, are expected to align with the just cause of Palestine. Yet, this optimism alone is insufficient. The harsh reality is that some Arab nations and factions continue to work against the Palestinian struggle, revealing the deep contradictions within Arab consciousness.
These contradictions are not only religious or political but stem from a broader societal problem — an urgent need for educational reform and the development of critical thinking. To rebuild Arab societies and achieve lasting change, a collective shift in consciousness is necessary. Science, knowledge and intellectual growth must replace outdated ideas and illusions.
For the Arab world to truly rise, it must focus on producing scientists, thinkers and leaders capable of building an economic and industrial renaissance — not just accumulating wealth in foreign bank accounts. True progress demands societies that stand firm in their values and are willing to fight for them.
Despite its rightful cause, the Arab world remains plagued by internal disunity and contradictions that undermine its struggle for Palestine. The dream of liberation is difficult to realise when so many forces, both internal and external, are working against it. Some Arab masses have even joined in the enemy’s celebrations, contributing to the erosion of solidarity. However, history has shown that nations can change their destiny if they find the strength to unite and confront their challenges. Japan, China and Germany offer examples of countries that transformed their futures through resilience and reform.
The Arab world stands at a crossroads. It is inconceivable that the dream of liberation can be realised while internal divisions persist, and the collective consciousness remains superficial.
The fragility of many Arab states makes the struggle even more challenging. Yet, Palestinians continue to fight, not only for their own freedom but also as part of the broader battle for justice in the Arab world. Their struggle remains central to the transformation that is urgently needed across the region. Until this transformation occurs, the fight will go on.
The writer is Editor-in-Chief of Oman Arabic daily
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Oman Arabic newspaper on October 20, 2024
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
