Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences, especially when it comes from those expected to offer support and solidarity.
For Palestinians in Gaza, this betrayal is a lived reality, as Arab governments fail to respond meaningfully to their plight. For over 420 days, the Israeli occupation has unleashed relentless violence on Gaza, killing over 45,000 people, injuring more than 105,000 and displacing millions.
The bombardment has destroyed homes, hospitals, schools, places of worship and vital infrastructure, leaving a once-thriving region in ruins. Despite this ongoing catastrophe, the silence of Arab governments has been deafening.
Historically, the Palestinian cause has been at the heart of Arab identity, uniting people across borders in solidarity. Yet, today, the official Arab response to Israel's war crimes, including genocide, apartheid and systemic violations of international law, has been reduced to mere words of condemnation.
While the people of Gaza endure unimaginable suffering, the Arab world, with its wealth, armies and influence, has failed to take substantive action.
This lack of response has only emboldened Israel and its supporters, including the United States and Western nations, to continue flouting international laws and humanitarian conventions. While ideological divisions among Arab states may explain some of the hesitation, these differences pale in comparison to the universal responsibility to defend human rights and dignity.
Resistance in Gaza is not merely an ideological or religious matter - it is a natural and lawful response to occupation, as recognised by international law.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirmed this in July 2024, declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories 'illegal.' Amnesty International echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Israeli policies amount to apartheid, violating international law.
Supporting Gaza is not just a moral obligation but a human imperative rooted in shared history, language and destiny.
Arab governments, as part of the international community, must act decisively, yet they continue to issue repetitive statements of condemnation while avoiding meaningful steps such as severing diplomatic ties, leveraging economic pressure, or taking unified political action.
The contrast with examples like Hezbollah's resistance in Lebanon is stark. Without the resources of a state, Hezbollah managed to force Israel into a ceasefire. Imagine the impact if Arab nations, with their vast capabilities, acted with similar resolve.
To believe that Israel and its allies will agree to a fair solution while witnessing such unprecedented Arab weakness is to ignore the reality of power dynamics.
The time for symbolic gestures has long passed. Arab nations must rise to the occasion, translating their words into action and reclaiming their moral and political integrity by standing with Gaza’s people in their darkest hour.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Arabic Oman newspaper on December 5
Khaled bin Omar al Marhoun
The writer is an expert in international law and political affairs
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