In a dramatic turn of events that mirrors the level of Saudi Arabia’s overt identification with the Israeli narrative, comments by the Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa triggered mass controversy in British political and media circles following his call on Britons to “talk less about Gaza,” asserting that debate over the Israeli onslaught on Palestinians is widening divisions within British society.
Al-Issa, the former Saudi Minister of Justice, made the statements in a lecture in London entitled “Promoting Social Cohesion,” giving a speech deemed shocking and unprecedented coming from a representative of Islam values purportedly particularly during the current Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
He said that the British government must prioritize the matter of “community integration” as one of “national security,” as maintaining an emphasis on the Gaza war damages Britain’s internal cohesion. Analysts regard this as an intentional move to drain popular sympathy for Palestinians in the West.
Al-Issa’s comments underscore Saudi Arabia’s shift towards normalizing relations with Israel
Al-Issa’s words did not occur in isolation. They coincided with a Saudi diplomatic and media campaign to placate Western public opinion regarding the occupation’s crimes, as part of an official Saudi approach towards normalization with Israel, even at the cost of silencing international voices of conscience in solidarity with Palestinians.
UK public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Britons are in favor of an arms embargo on Israel and call for an instant ceasefire. However, Al-Issa’s remarks contradict public opinion, reinforcing the perception that the Saudi regime is trying to cover up Israeli atrocities at the cost of political dividends.
What’s especially noteworthy is that the Mecca-based Muslim World League is supposed to be a non-governmental organization whose purpose is “serving Muslim causes.” Its Secretary-General, however, reveals an entirely contradictory attitude in statements that expose the true position of the organization concerning Palestine—and especially Gaza.
This scandal goes on to form part of the long history of Saudi pro-occupier bias, at the moment when the international public stands increasingly in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance, but some Arab regimes practice overt treachery under the guise of so-called “political realism”.