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"Condemn terror, champion peace": India denounces Hamas terrorism while supporting Palestinians civilians, advocates for a balanced two-state resolution, and engages in proactive Middle East diplomacy to ensure lasting regional peace and security

India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict goes beyond immediate concerns, looking towards a lasting resolution that envisions two sovereign nations coexisting peacefully
 |  Satyaagrah  |  Opinion
India and Saudi Arabia are likely to be on the same page on the ending the Israel Hamas conflict.
India and Saudi Arabia are likely to be on the same page on the ending the Israel Hamas conflict.

India's measured response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas is a reflection of its commitment to principles of rationality and balance in international affairs. Amidst the chaos and heightened emotions stirred by the war, India's position remains steadfast and principled, emphasizing the importance of clear-eyed condemnation of terrorism alongside unwavering support for civilian protection, regardless of nationality.

The condemnation of the terror attacks carried out by Hamas operatives on Israeli civilians is unequivocal. India's stance is that such acts of violence should be addressed directly, without getting overshadowed by the complexities of the conflict's background or the subsequent responses by Israel. This clear-cut approach to terrorism underscores India's consistent policy against all forms of terrorism, irrespective of the context.

Simultaneously, India has taken concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire, acknowledging that the lives of Palestinians and Israelis are equally valued. By providing humanitarian aid and essential supplies to those in Gaza, India is not just making a statement but also taking tangible action. This approach demonstrates a compassionate and balanced perspective, which is a hallmark of India's foreign policy ethos.

The careful navigation of these principles illustrates India's dedication to maintaining a voice of reason in times of turmoil. By calling out acts of terror and supporting humanitarian efforts, India is laying down a path that respects the sanctity of human life and the rule of law, providing a template for other nations to follow in dealing with such complex international disputes.

India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict goes beyond immediate concerns, looking towards a lasting resolution that envisions two sovereign nations coexisting peacefully. The advocacy for a two-state solution is a reaffirmation of India's long-held view that this framework is the only viable solution to the prolonged conflict. This perspective is consistent with international consensus and numerous United Nations resolutions calling for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.

The unequivocal denunciation of Hamas for the terror attacks that resulted in significant loss of life in Israel aligns with India's broader counterterrorism doctrine. India's clarity in labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization is based on its actions and foundational ideology, which is influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, an entity with extremist ties. This recognition is further substantiated by the support Hamas receives from external backers like Qatar, among others. This position indicates a decisive and principled stand against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the perpetrators or their ideologies.

By taking a stance that separates the actions of a terror group from the plight of civilians, India is able to offer support to the Palestinian people while also condemning violence. The nation's approach underscores the belief that lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence but through mutual recognition and respect for sovereignty and human rights.

Understanding the roots of the Muslim Brotherhood is crucial for comprehending the current dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and the ideologies fueling conflicts such as the one in Gaza. Founded in the early 20th century by Hassan Al Banna, an Egyptian schoolteacher, the Muslim Brotherhood emerged as a potent Islamic revivalist movement. Its influence has been significant and enduring in the region.

Al Banna envisioned Islam not just as a religion but as a comprehensive system capable of informing and shaping national constitutions, with the Quran and Sunnah serving as the foundational texts. His rejection of Western materialism and British imperialism was coupled with a strong advocacy for pan-Arab unity, which he saw as a step towards a global Islamic identity. The ideologue's stance was marked by a fierce rejection of Egyptian traditionalism and Arab Nationalism, setting him at odds with the Arab socialists and secular modernizers like Michel Aflaq, who left a profound imprint on the governance of countries such as Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Libya, and on organizations like the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).

Al Banna's assassination by the Egyptian secret police in 1946 did not diminish the influence of his teachings, which continue to resonate with various groups across the Middle East. His ideas have been a source of inspiration for many, but also a cause of division and conflict, reflecting the complex tapestry of ideological, religious, and political beliefs in the region. The legacy of these early ideologues is evident in today's geopolitical struggles and the ideologies that shape the policies of various groups and nations, including Hamas. Understanding this background provides a clearer picture of the intricate and often turbulent politics of the Middle East and underscores the importance of a nuanced approach in dealing with the region's issues.

The aftermath of the ideological conflicts within Egypt had far-reaching consequences, leading to the dispersion of the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence throughout the Arab world. Gamal Abdel Nasser, a pivotal figure in modern Arab history and the President of Egypt, perceived the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to his secular and socialist policies. His relentless crackdown forced many members of the group to flee Egypt, seeking refuge in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

In these new environments, the exiled members of the Muslim Brotherhood found fertile ground for their ideas within educational institutions, as they assumed roles of teachers and professors. Their intellectual contributions would sow the seeds for future Islamic movements in the region.

One such movement is Hamas, which stands for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, translating to the Islamic Resistance Movement. It was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and others, embedding the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology within Palestinian society. Hamas has since been a significant force in Palestinian politics, particularly in the Gaza Strip, advocating for resistance against Israeli occupation. The connection between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood underscores the transnational nature of certain ideological strains within political Islam and illustrates how historical events in one part of the Middle East can have a profound impact on the politics and conflicts of other regions.

Sheikh Yassin's acquaintance with the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology during his studies in Cairo was a pivotal point in his life, shaping his future endeavors. He carried these ideas back to the Palestinian territories, where his charitable work and preaching in the West Bank and Gaza after the 1967 Six-Day War laid the groundwork for a new socio-political movement.

The establishment of Hamas in the wake of the first intifada in 1987 was a significant moment in Palestinian history. This uprising against Israeli occupation marked a turning point, with Sheikh Yassin creating Hamas as the Brotherhood's political representative in Gaza. The release of Hamas' charter a year later, which advocated for the destruction of Israel and the creation of an Islamic society in historic Palestine, marked a clear ideological divergence from the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) secular stance.

The extremism of Hamas was in direct opposition to the PLO's approach, leading to a bitter conflict between the two factions. This power struggle culminated in events that reshaped the political landscape of the Palestinian territories, including the death of Yasser Arafat and the eventual consolidation of Hamas' control over Gaza. The evolution of Hamas from a local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood to a dominant political force in Gaza highlights the complex interplay of ideology, religion, and politics in the region.

The historical ties between Hamas and Qatar are noteworthy, especially considering Qatar's absorption of Muslim Brotherhood ideology, despite the official disbanding of the group within its borders in 1999. Qatar's continued support for the Brotherhood has manifested through various channels, including financial aid, media representation, and diplomatic advocacy. Al Jazeera, the Qatari-owned media network, has faced accusations of propagating the Brotherhood's viewpoints, highlighting the influence of Qatar's support.

The refuge provided by Qatar to notable Muslim Brotherhood figures, like the spiritual leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi until his passing, signifies the depth of the relationship between the state and the movement. Furthermore, the upheaval of the Arab Spring, particularly the Syrian crisis in 2011, led to another migration wave of Hamas leadership to Doha, exemplified by Khaled Mashal's relocation. This interweaving of relations underscores the regional impact of the Brotherhood's ideology and Qatar's role in shaping the political landscape, especially regarding groups such as Hamas, which is recognized by many countries as a terrorist organization due to its activities and objectives.

Qatar's engagement with Hamas dates back even before the notable arrivals of figures like Khaled Mashal. In a significant move in 2008, Doha pledged substantial financial support to Hamas following its forceful takeover of the Gaza Strip. This commitment was further solidified when the then Emir of Qatar visited Gaza in 2012, marking a historical moment as the first head of state to do so, where he announced an even larger financial package.

The financial ties between Qatar and Hamas have been maintained over the years, with Qatar providing considerable sums that aid in supporting the administration in Gaza. The 2016 announcement by Qatar of a $30 million payment to workers hired by Hamas in Gaza illustrates the continued financial relationship between the two entities. This consistent financial support has been pivotal in sustaining the administration linked to Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by many countries due to its militant activities against Israel.

Qatar's involvement with Hamas has extended to providing sanctuary to several Hamas officials who are internationally sanctioned. In 2017, under pressure from neighboring Gulf States, Qatar expelled Saleh al-Arouri, a senior Hamas military leader and financier, who was sanctioned by the U.S. and known for directing military operations from abroad. Furthermore, following Ismail Haniyeh's election as the leader of Hamas, reports emerged about his planned relocation to Qatar, although his movements were subject to the constraints of regional geopolitics, particularly the position of Egypt, which controls the border with Gaza. These developments reflect the delicate balance Qatar maintains in its relations with various political and militant entities in the region, including those involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The connections between Qatar and various Islamic organizations in Europe were highlighted in the 2019 publication of "The Qatar Papers" by French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot. The book alleges that Qatar has provided financial support to a wide network of mosques and Islamic centers across Europe, some of which are linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. One notable institution, the Museum of Islamic Civilizations in Geneva, is cited as having received significant funding from Qatar and is accused of displaying Muslim Brotherhood propaganda.

The implications of Qatar's financial activities in Europe are part of a broader discussion about the influence of foreign funding on religious institutions and the potential spread of certain ideologies. The book's findings, which include the presence of literature by Yusuf al-Qaradawi in Qatar-funded mosques and schools, point to a complex web of financial and ideological ties.

In a separate but potentially related incident, the Qatari judicial authorities sentenced eight former Indian navy officers to death, which coincidentally followed India's decision to maintain a neutral stance on the conflict between Hamas and Israel, rather than condemning Hamas exclusively. While the book does not establish a direct causal relationship between these events, the timing has raised questions about the potential interplay of international diplomacy, judicial proceedings, and geopolitical stances.

India's principled stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically its condemnation of Hamas, aligns it with several key players in the Middle East who have similarly taken a stand against Muslim Brotherhood-inspired movements. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain have actively suppressed revolts linked to the Brotherhood during the Arab Spring. Egypt, under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, has also staunchly opposed the Muslim Brotherhood, especially following the 2011 uprising.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach to President Al-Sisi to seek common ground on the crisis reflects India's proactive diplomatic efforts. Considering the stances of the UAE and Saudi Arabia on the Muslim Brotherhood, there seems to be an opportunity for India to work with these nations to promote a united front that supports the Palestinian cause but stands firmly against Hamas. This approach aims to further the goal of achieving a two-state solution, which India has long championed as the path to lasting peace in the region. By fostering collaboration with these countries, India hopes to contribute to a resolution that ensures the coexistence of Israel and Palestine as independent, peaceful neighbors

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