Turki Al Faisal, a former prominent figure in the Saudi Arabian government who once led the Kingdom’s intelligence services, recently offered a unique perspective on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. During his address at the Baker Institute in the United States, Faisal expressed his concerns about the situation while proposing an unconventional path for the Palestinian cause.
In his address, Faisal made it clear that he does not endorse the military option for resolving the Palestinian crisis. Instead, he suggested a path of civil insurrection and disobedience, drawing parallels with historical movements like India’s independence struggle against British colonial rule and the civil movements in Eastern Europe that played a part in the fall of the Soviet empire.
While discussing the recent actions of Hamas, Faisal condemned the group’s tactics, particularly the attack carried out on October 7 in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers and civilians. This assault, widely labeled as a “terrorist attack” by global leaders, has been highly criticized. Faisal categorically condemned Hamas’s targeting of civilian populations, emphasizing that such actions contradict the principles of Islam, which strictly prohibit harming innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, even in times of conflict.
Faisal pointed out that the Hamas attack provided the Israeli government, which had faced international condemnation, with the moral high ground. It gave them an excuse, Faisal stated, to carry out extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to a catastrophic impact on the civilian population and pushing the boundaries of ethnic cleansing.
In his address, Faisal also indicated that the Hamas attack had disrupted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Saudi Arabia has been actively working toward diplomatic solutions and seeking peaceful negotiations between the involved parties.
Furthermore, Faisal criticized Western assessments that portrayed the Hamas attack as entirely unprovoked. He argued that the historical context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, spanning more than seven decades, constitutes a long-standing provocation. Israel’s actions, including targeted killings, civilian detentions, and land appropriation, have contributed to this tense environment.
Turki Al Faisal’s perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the situation. He recommends pursuing a path of civil insurrection and nonviolent resistance as an alternative to military action, drawing inspiration from historical examples. While condemning Hamas’s tactics, he also highlights the broader context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the need for a comprehensive, long-term solution that prioritizes peace and the well-being of the civilian population.