RASC News Agency: According to international news agencies, The recent speech delivered by Prince Turki al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing Middle East violence stands out as an unusually candid expression, especially coming from a senior member of the Saudi royal family. This speech has been widely regarded as the most transparent reflection of the Saudi leadership’s stance on the situation.
Prince Turki, an esteemed and respected figure in Saudi circles, openly criticized both Hamas and Israel for their attacks on civilians. He unequivocally condemned Hamas for their assault on southern Israel on October 7th and the subsequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza, emphasizing that there were no heroes in this conflict, only victims.
Given the prevailing Arab sentiment against Israeli airstrikes, Prince Turki’s condemnation of Hamas in the current atmosphere is a rare perspective from an Arab leader. He highlighted that Hamas’s actions directly contradicted Islamic principles that forbid the harming of civilians, emphasizing that the majority of those targeted or affected by Hamas were innocent civilians.
Prince Turki, known for his measured and thoughtful approach as a former diplomat and intelligence chief, maintained a balanced stance by criticizing Israel as well. He accused Israel of “indiscriminately bombing innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza” and the “unjustifiable arrest of Palestinian women, men, and children in the West Bank.”
Furthermore, Prince Turki expressed his dissatisfaction with how the US media referred to the October 7th raid as an “unprovoked attack,” questioning what more provocation was needed other than the suffering endured by the Palestinian people over the past seventy-five years at the hands of Israel. He stressed that all individuals living under military occupation possess the right to resist it.
In addition, Prince Turki criticized Western politicians for shedding tears when Israelis are killed by Palestinians, yet failing to even express sorrow when Palestinians are killed by Israelis. On the other hand, President Joe Biden, during his visit to Israel, remarked that the United States mourns the loss of all innocent victims, irrespective of their nationality or background.
