Members of the international Arab community have called for restraint as the IDF retaliates against Palestinians in the wake of the largest attack on Israeli territory in years. Qatar, a Gulf state without diplomatic relations with Israel, released a statement urging both sides to exercise restraint and called on the international community to prevent Israel from responding disproportionately against Palestinians in Gaza. Saudi Arabia, another state without formal ties with Israel, stated that it was closely monitoring the situation between Palestinian factions and the Israeli occupation forces. The Saudi foreign ministry emphasized the dangers resulting from the continued occupation and the deprivation of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia and Israel have signaled a desire to normalize relations, with the United States reportedly negotiating the details. However, Hamas firmly rejected all forms of normalization and contact with the Israeli occupation. On Saturday, Hamas militants entered Israeli territory and gained control over some communities in the south of the country. Israeli authorities reported over 2,000 rockets launched from Gaza, resulting in at least 40 deaths and over 500 injuries according to Israel’s health ministry. Reports also suggested that an unknown number of Israeli citizens and soldiers had been taken captive.
Egypt warned of potential grave consequences arising from further escalation between Israel and the Palestinians. The country’s foreign ministry called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians from further danger. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a congress of his AK Party in Ankara, called for both sides to refrain from aggressive acts and cautioned against any attempts to damage the historical and religious status of the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem.
Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, stated that it was in direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance. It viewed Hamas’ assault as a decisive response to Israel’s continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalization with Israel. However, Hezbollah did not express an intention to militarily support the attack.
The international Arab community’s calls for restraint reflect their concerns over the escalating violence and its potential consequences. They emphasize the need for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians from further harm. These statements also reflect the divisions within the Arab world regarding relations with Israel, with some states showing a desire for normalization while others firmly oppose any form of engagement. As the situation continues to unfold, it is vital for international actors to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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