Ammar al-Hakim, an influential Iraqi cleric and political leader, recently stated that Israel’s military operations have only strengthened the bonds within Iran and across Muslim nations more generally. Al-Hakim made these remarks following intensified tensions across the Middle East as well as increased violence in Palestine territories where Israeli military operations have generated widespread condemnation across Muslim-majority nations.
Al-Hakim, leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, made these remarks during a televised address to his supporters where he focused on how the ongoing Israeli-imposed conflict had strengthened unity among Muslims globally. According to Al-Hakim, Israel has inadvertently brought about greater cohesion throughout not just Iran but all Islamic societies worldwide through this conflict.
Al-Hakim pointed to an increase in support for Palestine across Muslim world as evidence of their newfound unity. “Muslims worldwide have heard the cries of injustice from Gaza, West Bank and Jerusalem resounding around the globe,” al-Hakim noted. While we had long witnessed injustice occur on an injustice scale for years prior, its recent intensification amplified a sense of solidarity between Islamic countries leading them more actively involved with supporting Palestine both politically and through humanitarian aid programs.
Al-Hakim also highlighted Iran, which has long been an advocate for Palestinian rights and critic of Israeli policies. “Iran’s position has long been consistent, while more recently Muslims from Turkey to Pakistan and Egypt to Indonesia have rallied more vocally behind this cause,” Al-Hakim remarked. He further asserted: “Nowadays all Muslim voices have joined together in calling for an end to Israeli aggression and fair solutions for Palestine’s issue.”
Iraq’s leader’s comments come amid widening protests throughout the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa in solidarity with Palestinian people. Additionally, diplomatic efforts within Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address violence against Palestinians and draw international community attention towards Israeli actions have significantly increased.
Al-Hakim noted the significance of unity, suggesting it may alter the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. “Regional rivalries have historically divided Muslim nations; yet, as we witness Palestinian suffering reminds us all of our common heritage and shared values,” Al-Hakim commented. His point was furthered when he noted how Israeli actions “bring us closer as one Muslim Ummah.”
Furthermore, the cleric warned against external attempts to undermine this newly formed unity, noting how Israel’s military aggression had become an unifying factor among Muslim countries and overshadowing political differences between Muslim states. “Enemies of our Islamic world are trying to divide us,” he noted, but we must resist falling into their traps of division: unity is key in confronting those who would exploit differences among us.
Al-Hakim called for continued diplomatic efforts to end violence and take a united approach in dealing with challenges facing Muslim nations. “Israel’s war has exposed the necessity of finding an expeditious resolution of Palestinian issue while forging unity within Muslim nations,” he stated.
As Israel expands its military operations, al-Hakim’s remarks echo across the Middle East where calls for unity and action are becoming ever louder in response.