Nusrat Mirza
Since ancient times, the Gaza area has held strategic and military significance, leading to conflicts for its possession. Before the emergence of Islam, there was a dispute between Christians and Jews in this region. However, during the rule of Caliph Umar II in 637/38 AD, the Jews handed over control of the area to the Muslims.
Seven hundred years later, Christians temporarily occupied it, but after a prolonged war on 2 October 1187, Sultan Salahu’d-Din Ayyubi reclaimed the territories of Bayt al-Maqdis and Gaza. During the Second World War in 1917, British Foreign Minister James Balfour issued a declaration to settle Israelis in Palestine.
Consequently, in 1949, the establishment of the Israeli state occurred, leading to the gradual occupation of Bayt al-Maqdis by Israel. Palestinians continued their resistance, facing oppression and brutality. A new chapter of cruelty unfolded, yet Muslims remained steadfast, following the orders of Allah. This act must have been pleasing to the Almighty.
After the Arab-Israeli war 2006, which occurred about 17 years ago, the region remained quiet due to the oppressive and cruel rule of Israel. However, the attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, has once again brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the forefront.
As a result of more than two decades of Israeli oppression, world leaders and international institutions have come to realize that the region has moved beyond the era of contestation. Israel has besieged 2 million Palestinians from Gaza by sea, air, and land routes. The attack on 7 October 2023 shocked the whole world, forcing everyone to break free from their imaginary belief that Israel has complete control over the Palestinians.
Now, the flaws in them have become clear. This attack has revived the Palestinian issue, compelling Israel to seek peace for many reasons. It will either have to initiate a dialogue with the Palestinians, or it will face destruction. The US will not be able to support Israel for long, nor will Europe, as this attack has troubled the Arab rulers and awakened the Arab people. They are finally united to stand against Israel.
This time, the war will be of a different kind, and it will significantly impact Arab rulers, potentially leading them to distance themselves from America. If they do not withdraw, they will face destruction. While the world may label this attack as sudden, it forgets that Palestinians are Muslims and the original inhabitants of this place. They have been ostracized, so why can’t they respond as they did?
The people of the world are now beginning to remember the four-thousand-year history of this region. For centuries, this region has been a battlefield, with Israeli tribes and Palestinians fighting for access to the sea. Throughout this four-thousand-year history, whether it was the tribes of Israel or their kingdoms, they have all been fighting for their own importance and the desire to gain power.
In the same region, Christians killed Jews, a memory that Jews still hold onto, and they are engaged in a game of fighting Christians against Muslims. At one time, Sultan Salahu’d-Din Ayyubi saved the Jews from the oppression of the Christians. However, this act of kindness by the Muslims was not remembered by the thankless nation, and now they are inflicting mountains of oppression and persecution on Muslims by using Christians.
For 75 years, they have followed the Christians because of their wealth. Additionally, the Christians are supporting Israel in order to eliminate the Jews and create confusion among the Muslims. In reality, they hate Jews even more than Muslims. If we examine the period from 1050 AD, it becomes evident that Jews were expelled from every country in Europe and subjected to severe punishments, including being burned alive.
Currently, Christians are seeking to align themselves with Muslims to protect themselves from the Jews. However, the time has come to put an end to Israel’s oppression of the Palestinians and to dismantle the alliance between Christians and Jews. It is important to remember that in the early 20th century, this region belonged to the Palestinians, particularly under British control.
If we examine its history, the Gaza area has been of great importance and a site of wars and controversies since the 17th century BC. When the Hyksos attacked the coastal areas of the Nile River on their way to Gaza, the Pharaohs successfully defeated the Theban tribe. Eventually, in the 20th century BC, the Pharaohs ceded control of the coastal area of Gaza to the Hyksos and the Sea Peoples. These people who are Asian, Africans belonged to Arab tribes, spoke languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Phoenician.
These people occupied Gaza, utilized sea routes, and established five cities, including Gaza and the present-day Israeli cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Subsequently, they formed a federal state comprising these cities. Even after that, this region remained a battlefield. Following the Assyrians and Babylon, Cyrus the Great, King of Persia, conquered Gaza in the 6th century BC.
However, two hundred years later, Alexander the Great besieged Gaza for 100 days. Despite the people’s brave resistance, which even led to Alexander’s injury, he eventually conquered Gaza, resulting in the killing of all men, while children and women were enslaved.
It is essential to emphasize once again that the key to Bayt al-Maqdis was handed over to the second caliph, Hazrat Umar, during the Muslim era. This area remained with Muslims for seven hundred years and, for some time, with Christians. Later, Salahu’d-Din Ayyubi conquered it, returning it to Muslim control until 1949.
Another noteworthy event occurred in 1931 when the ownership case was presented to the International Court of Justice. After considering arguments from both Jews and Muslims, the International Court recognized Muslims’ rights over the Great Wall, Bayt al-Maqdis, and the Western Quarters.
Gaza, once a green and area full of vegetables and gardens, now faces water scarcity and an unending human tragedy. The Gaza region holds significant importance. It is time for world powers to reassess the plight of Palestinians, acknowledging their right to the land. Instead of granting Israel a license to harm Palestinians, recognizing their existence and historical rights could pave the way for peace.
Failing to do so may lead America and Europe to endure severe difficulties. Granting Palestinians their rights could also improve relations with Muslim countries, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and other neighboring areas. Failure to recognize their rights may eventually lead to deteriorating relations. Regardless of the outcome of this conflict, Israelis in Israel may never feel truly secure.
The author is Chief Editor of Monthly Interaction.
