Israel Hamas War: Gaza and Jerusalem Dispute, Growing Tensions Between Israel and Turkey, and the Muslim World’s Reaction
In recent months, the continuous attacks by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip have caused widespread global concern. Scenes of inhumane atrocities against women and children in these attacks have been exposed to the entire world, infuriating many countries and mounting pressure on Israel for a ceasefire. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unwilling to back down until Hamas is completely eradicated, the indiscriminate attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza have created a climate of fear among the general populace.
Israeli Military Casualties in Gaza
Despite extensive operations in Gaza, Israeli forces are also suffering significant losses. Recently, the Israeli army reported that four Israeli soldiers were killed and three injured in a roadside bomb explosion in Rafah, a city located in the southern Gaza Strip. The identities of the deceased soldiers have been released: Major Omri Chai Benmoshe, 26; Lieutenant Eron Shelim, 23; Lieutenant Eitan Avner Ben, 22; and Lieutenant Ron Arieli, 20. Major Benmoshe was a company commander, and the others were cadets attached to the Dekel Battalion of the Officer School. Two police officers and three civilian contractors from the Ministry of Defense were also killed in this attack. This incident brings the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Israel’s ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and ongoing military operations in border areas to 469, which is considered a major blow to Israel. The Israeli military chief had previously warned about troop fatigue due to the prolonged conflict.
Global Efforts to Recognize Palestine
Amidst Israel’s relentless assault, international efforts to officially recognize Palestine are intensifying. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to formally recognize Palestine, a step that could be implemented after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK. According to a report by The Times, Starmer might make this announcement before the next meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Several other countries, including France, are also preparing to recognize Palestine, which will put further pressure on Israel.
Tension Between Turkey and Israel Centered on Jerusalem
Beyond the situation in the Gaza Strip, a new kind of tension has arisen between Turkey and Israel, centered on Jerusalem. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a strong statement against Israel at a conference in Doha, saying, “As long as we do not establish East Jerusalem as the capital of the new Palestinian state, we will not be at peace. Our struggle against Israel will continue for this.
In response to Erdogan’s comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately went to Jerusalem and retorted. Addressing Erdogan, he said, “Mr. Erdogan, Jerusalem is our city, not yours.” Netanyahu claimed that Jerusalem has been a Jewish city for the past 2700 years and that Jews reclaimed their city 2000 years ago. He stated that it is a symbol of their freedom. Netanyahu further mentioned that US President Donald Trump had recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his previous term, and the US embassy had been opened there. He also reiterated America’s full support for Israel on this matter.
In response to Netanyahu’s assertion, Erdogan referred to the Ottoman Empire, stating that Jerusalem was under the umbrella of Islam for 400 years and that the Ottoman Empire had restored Jerusalem’s name, honor, and harmony among its residents, transforming it into a land of peace. He emphasized that Netanyahu does not know the correct history of Israel. Erdogan firmly expressed that their struggle against Israel would continue until East Jerusalem becomes the capital of Palestine.
The Muslim World Unites
As tensions escalated, the Muslim world is uniting against Israel. Representatives from approximately 60 countries participated in an emergency meeting of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Top leaders such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were present at this meeting. This emergency meeting was called after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha on September 9, which was seen as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
At this meeting, Muslim countries expressed strong indignation over Israel’s recent attacks. The joint statement of the meeting called on all member states to take strict and effective measures against Israel. The statement further urged that all possible legal and effective steps should be taken to stop Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people. Israel’s escalating attacks have united the Muslim world, and there is an apprehension that the conflict situation may become even more complex.