The aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 250 hostages, has plunged the region into one of its darkest chapters in decades. The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, initiated as a response, has escalated into a devastating conflict, turning Gaza into a field of rubble and drawing international attention and protests.
Global Protests and Regional Silences
While protests erupted globally against the violence in Gaza, the muted response from many Arab nations has left observers questioning the state of political and social freedoms in the region. For Indian Muslims, this silence contrasts sharply with their historical connection to the Palestinian cause.
A Longstanding Solidarity
Indian Muslims have long supported Palestine, driven by religious, historical, and humanitarian ties. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, a revered Islamic site, and the Palestinian struggle against displacement resonate deeply within the community. Leaders like Mohammad Iqbal and Mohammad Ali Jauhar from pre-independence India exemplified this bond, actively supporting Palestinian rights. Jauhar’s burial near Al-Aqsa underscores the enduring connection.
Contemporary Responses
While street protests in India have been limited compared to other nations, Muslim organizations and intellectuals have condemned the violence. Malik Muhtasim Khan, deputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian state and criticized Arab leaders for their inaction. Akhtarul Wasey of Jamia Millia Islamia highlighted the U.S.’s role in failing to implement the Oslo Accord and pointed out the deep-seated roots of the current conflict.
READ MORE: Allahabad High Court Grants Bail to Man Accused of Abduction and Rape
Prominent Shia leaders and scholars have also expressed solidarity. Maulana Noori condemned the atrocities in Gaza, warning that continued violence could extinguish hopes for a Palestinian state.
Legal and Political Insights
Legal experts like Supreme Court lawyer Fuzail Ahmed Ayyubi have framed Gaza’s plight as a failure of international law, criticizing global powers for their inaction. Political commentators such as Zafrul Islam Khan have distinguished between the views of Arab regimes and their people, noting widespread grassroots support for Hamas despite governmental opposition.
Journalists and academics, including Ziya Us Salam, have highlighted the fear of political backlash as a reason for the subdued public demonstrations in India. He also critiqued the national media’s lack of coverage, contrasting it with the international press’s attention.
Youth and Resistance
The voices of India’s youth, who played pivotal roles in past protests like those against the Citizenship Amendment Act, are not absent in the discourse. Activists such as Eeman Usmani have defended the Palestinian resistance, asserting that labeling such movements as terrorism ignores the broader context of occupation and oppression.
Broader Implications
Retired officials and scholars like Saiful Islam attribute the enduring Palestinian crisis to both global politics and divisions within the Muslim world. They argue that unity and resistance are crucial for Palestine’s future.
A Silent Outcry
Despite the lack of visible protests on Indian streets, the sentiment among Indian Muslims is clear. They view Palestinians as victims of systemic oppression, global bias, and regional indifference. Their voices, though not always loud, reflect a deep-seated empathy and a call for justice.
The conflict continues to evoke strong reactions from diverse quarters, underlining the enduring relevance of the Palestinian cause in global and local discourse.
