Each passing moment unravels the worst ramifications on humankind. As rightfully said, “War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it,” the third-party alliances are only adding fuel to the conflict, unable to comprehend the perils of war.
So far, more than 1,200 Israeli people have been reported dead, over 100 taken hostage, and 2,700 wounded due to the surprise terror attacks by the Hamas militant group on October 7, 2023. This set off a ripple effect on a global level.
According to market research, oil prices would eject to a new peak of USD 100 from the current price of USD 86 a barrel if the war continues. According to the Ukraine-Russia war case study, the oil prices peaked at USD 125. War has a chain effect on the economy on a global level, as international trade is affected because of a war-stricken nation.
But that’s the least of the concerns right now, as one life is claimed every minute of writing this article. The Israeli retaliation on Gaza has accounted for over 1,000 casualties and counting. Children are seen gasping for their last breaths as the missiles put the city in ruins.
No external entity has been able to resolve the conflict. On the contrary, the Middle Eastern countries support Palestine, while most Western countries are in favor of Israel, propelling the continuation of this “state of war.”
Joe Biden has even committed a ‘rock solid’ and ‘unwavering support’ for Israel by shipping air carriers, fighter jets, and more. Meanwhile, Iran is allegedly funding Hamas.
To put into perspective: The US News & World Report of 2022 has awarded Israeli military strength fourth in the world. The US pledged over $3.8bn in 2023, out of a $38bn deal over ten years sanctioned by ex-President Obama in 2016.
And now, Hamas wants a more robust alliance as an answer to Israel’s domination.
Former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal uploaded a public announcement YouTube video on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. The footage shows Mashal summoning the Muslim brethren for a global Jihad to come in support of Palestine. He has declared October 13, 2023, as “The Friday of Al-Aqsa flood,” urging Muslims to wage attacks on Jews and contribute to Hamas financially while putting political pressure to stop the Israeli military invasion of Gaza.
Did Hamas Call for Global Jihad?
Hamas’s inception dates back to 1987, after the first uprising against Israel’s invasion. The group saw several leaders governing the body over the decades. Khaled Mashal was one such prominent leader who served from 2004-2017.
He now operates from Qatar, where he is designated as the head of the Hamas diaspora office. After Isreal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “state of war” against Hamas, the retaliation on Gaza has been a significant setback to Palestine.
Hence, Mashal summoned Muslims for a “global Jihad.” Here is the translated transcript from the recorded statement to Reuters–
“[We must] head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday.”
“To all scholars who teach jihad … to all who teach and learn, this is a moment for the application [of jihad].”
“Tribes of Jordan, sons of Jordan, brothers and sisters of Jordan … this is a moment of truth, and the borders are close to you; you all know your responsibility.”
What Is Their Motive?
YouTube deleted the video uploaded by the former Hamas leader within 24 hours for violating the community guidelines. However, Rachid Hammami (former Muslim television host and national security expert) translated the video–
Here are the four significant motives for calling for global Jihad–
#1 October 13– “The Friday of Al-Aqsa Flood”
For those unversed, Al-Aqsa is a sacred mosque in Palestine. One of the reasons behind Hamas’s surprise attacks was the desecration of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Mashal has asked the Muslim community to assemble and collectively express their rage against the zionists and its allies, including the US.
#2 Financial Jihad
Since Hamas is a considerably “nect-to-nothing” in front of Israel’s powerful defense, the group urges for any financial contribution for the damages caused by the war.
#3 Political Pressure
The former leader also asked Muslims to get together and protest, putting a political strain on World leaders. Their motive is to stop the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
#4 Attacking Jews
Mashal concludes by declaring war on Israel. He asks the neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon to encroach on Israel’s border and attack.
In the concluding statement, all we can say is, “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
What are your thoughts on the global Jihad? Do you believe that Iran is funding Hamas? Does the US have a personal motive for funding Israel?
Do you think the two nations would find a resolution? Let us know in the comments section below.
