Saudi Arabia Pakistan Defense Deal:
Pakistan has long been known for harboring and supporting terrorism. Many times, Pakistan’s direct involvement in numerous terrorist attacks on India has been alleged. Its role became even more apparent, especially after the Pahalgaon terrorist attack. India’s true face was revealed on the international stage after India entered Pakistan to destroy terrorist hideouts. Despite repeated efforts to make Pakistan understand, it did not stop sheltering terrorists, which prevented any improvement in India-Pakistan relations and kept tensions high.
Pakistan’s Agreement with Saudi Arabia
In this situation, a new development has become a cause for concern for India. Pakistan has secured the support of Saudi Arabia, and a significant defense pact has been signed between the two countries. The most crucial aspect of this agreement is that “an attack on one will be considered an attack on both.” According to media reports, this strategic mutual defense agreement was signed during Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman warmly welcomed Shahbaz Sharif at Al-Yamamah Palace. According to Dawn newspaper, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office mentioned that the agreement was signed based on nearly eight decades of friendship, brotherhood, Islamic unity, and mutual strategic interests. Pakistan was invited by Saudi Arabia, after which Pakistan’s Prime Minister and his delegation arrived in the Kingdom. This agreement has heightened India’s concerns because India and Saudi Arabia have historically maintained good relations. If India takes any military action against Pakistan, this pact could negatively impact India’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Attacks in Gaza and the Muslim World’s Reaction
The war between Israel and Hamas continues to intensify, and the situation in the Gaza Strip has become dire. Civilian life has been completely disrupted. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, Israel carried out approximately 50 airstrikes in Gaza, with the total number of attacks exceeding 150 in the last 24 hours. These attacks targeted residential areas, tunnels, and numerous buildings. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed that Hamas fighters were using these locations and that their operation aimed to completely eliminate the terrorists. Approximately 400,000 people from Gaza’s population of nearly one million have fled in search of safe refuge. According to a United Nations report, this displacement is pushing towards a major humanitarian crisis, as thousands of people are deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. On Tuesday night, 12 people were killed in the attacks, including several journalists. Israel claimed that it targeted tunnels and secret hideouts of Hamas members. However, Gaza sources stated that these attacks were a tactic to terrorize civilians and force them to leave their homes. Gaza has long been considered a Hamas stronghold, which is why Israel launched ground and air attacks on Gaza starting Monday. The army stated that the operation would continue until the Hamas network is completely destroyed.
Meeting of Muslim Countries
Meanwhile, Israel also launched an attack in Doha, the capital of Qatar, where a meeting of Hamas leaders was taking place. This attack sparked strong anger in the Arab world. On Tuesday, an emergency meeting of 60 Muslim countries was called in Doha, where a resolution condemning Israel was passed. Major Muslim countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, and Bahrain participated in this meeting. Leaders called for a united stand against Israel. However, the meeting concluded without any major decisions, other than passing the condemnation resolution against Israel. Countries like Pakistan and Turkey proposed the formation of an Islamic NATO, where all members would take action if any member country was attacked. However, there was no consensus on this matter. This meeting of Muslim countries made it clear that while concern and anger are growing in the Arab world, effective and practical steps are still lacking. In this situation, the people of Gaza are still being forced to flee.