UNIDA Gontor – There is a lot of shock, hatred, and frustration mixed when following the latest issues in Palestine over the past decades. Shocked because we really did not expect the Palestine-Israel conflict, which was previously calm, continue to worsen. There is also a sense of annoyance when reading the news that Israel is tirelessly retaliating brutally and continuing to persecute what should be the rights of the Palestinian people. There is a feeling of frustration that is deeply embedded in the heart because of the silence of the world dealing with this conflict. No world leader nor Islamic organization has emerged to make a statement and take firm action against the Israeli regime, because of their cruelty in dealing with the Palestinian people. This period is a difficult period for the Palestinian people.
Starting from this crisis in Palestine, there are several things that need to be considered together. First, the Palestinian government has never launched first attack on Israel. The reason is, there has been an agreement involving the Palestinian factions not to launch attacks on each other. But sadly, during that period, Israel continued to launch attacks on Palestine, especially against civilians, even though it was not reported fairly by the media. Only in the latest developments, Palestine launched retaliation against Israel even after they could no longer stand being oppressed like that.
For them (Israel) in this case, it can only be concluded that they reject diplomacy organized by anyone including all their allies. It seems that the instrument of war is faster than the instrument of negotiation. That is Israel’s choice, and not Palestine’s choice. The situation will not be peaceful or show signs of easing tension if Israel continues to launch all forms of aggression. My take is development in Palestine, although showing elements of calm, depend greatly on the extent to which the international community views this conflict or Israel’s response to it. In the end, we all hope that the path to peace remains in Palestine or that there is still light shining through this dark tunnel. Although it sounds a bit rhetorical, at least we cannot stop hoping. Hoping in Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
Because the Palestinian issue is the concern of all of us, the world community, not just Muslims in particular. It is clear here that the Palestine issue is not just a Palestinian issue. We are wrong when we say that this problem is their problem because they are not united; that is why Palestine continues to be colonized. We may easily forget the problems that must be fought for until Palestine is free and no longer colonized. However, this is not a problem that comes and goes.
The next question is then, how should we accept things related to the dangers that befell Palestine? Since Israel controlled Palestine in early 1918-1948 (after being given a mandate by Britain) after the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate, various forms of threats and dangers have always faced Palestine. It is unfortunate that most of us consider this only dangerous for Palestine because it is less known by Muslims around the world, especially in Indonesia. The long-standing Palestinian problem is often seen as a problem and described as a land grabbing conflict (geopolitics). This has clearly obscured the real problem. Even sad, many Arab countries have normalized diplomatic relations with Israel as if Israel had been recognized by them as a sovereign nation state and received full recognition from the world. Therefore, it is important for us to investigate this Palestinian problem and maintain it for one reason – this is a problem of the entire world. Information about the injustice against Palestine must be disseminated and attention to this important issue must be translated into practical forms and actions of the state and non-state sectors. The government, scholars, ustadz and ustadzah, speakers, teachers, scientists and anyone who has a space of influence on society using information about Palestine, can raise awareness in society. This alone can symbolize our concern for the fate of the Palestinian people which God willing will then produce greater results, namely saving the Al-Aqsa Mosque which is equally loved by Muslims throughout the world.
By: Asst.Prof. Ali Musa Harahap. M.H.S., Ph.D.
