A House Divided: How Internal Conflicts Weaken the Muslim World’s Support for Palestine
Rachid Talbi Alami, the Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, recently issued a stark warning: internal conflicts within the Muslim world are severely hindering the level of support for the Palestinian people. Speaking at the opening of the Executive Committee of the Union of Parliaments of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), he argued that these divisions weaken the collective voice of Muslim-majority nations on the international stage, making it harder to advocate for the interests of their people and, most importantly, for the Palestinian cause.
Alami’s words highlight a painful reality. The Palestinian struggle for self-determination has long been a unifying cause for the Muslim world. However, in recent years, a surge in internal conflicts, sectarian violence, and political instability has fractured this unity, diverting resources and attention away from Palestine.
This internal strife has had a tangible impact. For example, the ongoing Syrian Civil War has not only resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis but has also deeply divided the Arab League, hindering its ability to present a united front on the Palestinian issue. Similarly, the political and economic turmoil in several Arab Spring countries has made it challenging for them to offer the same level of support to Palestine as they have in the past.
This lack of unity has serious consequences. A fragmented Muslim world struggles to exert meaningful pressure on Israel to end its occupation and recognize Palestinian rights. This division also creates opportunities for external actors to exploit these rifts, further complicating the situation and hindering progress towards a just and lasting peace.
The need for greater unity within the Muslim world is more critical than ever. A unified front, free from internal strife, would amplify the call for Palestinian self-determination and exert greater pressure on the international community to take concrete action. This unity would not only benefit the Palestinian people but also contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the entire region.
