Saudi Prince Turki breaks silence on Israel-Hamas war in surprising new stance

Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal's recent statement marks a significant departure from the conventional narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For the first time since the outbreak of the recent war, he has publicly voiced his condemnation not only of Israel but also of Hamas, and even Western countries. 

Who

The statements are attributed to Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the former Saudi intelligence chief, and his comments reflect a refreshing shift in the discourse surrounding the conflict.

Prince Turki's voice emerges as a beacon of reason amidst the cacophony of suffering in Gaza. He is a prominent figure in the Middle East, having served as the head of the General Intelligence Presidency for 22 years, and his words carry weight in the region.

Here are some key takeaways from his statement:

Hamas condemnation

Prince Turki unequivocally condemns Hamas for targeting civilians, irrespective of age or gender. He argues that such actions contradict Hamas's claim to an Islamic identity, pointing out that Islam prohibits the killing of innocent children, women, the elderly, and the destruction of places of worship. 

• This condemnation is significant because it challenges the group's self-presentation.
• He also condemns Hamas for ceding the moral high ground to the Israeli government. 
• The prince goes on to condemn Hamas for ethnically cleansing Gaza and its citizens, a grave accusation that adds weight to the criticism.
• He notes that Hamas's actions undermine the Palestinian Authority, which aligns with the Israeli government's objectives.
• The Prince also condemns Hamas for thwarting Saudi Arabia's attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue.

Israeli criticism

At the same time, Prince Turki doesn't spare Israel in his critique

• He condemns Israel for its indiscriminate bombing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and its efforts to forcibly displace them.
• The Prince criticizes Israel for its actions in the West Bank, including the targeted killing and indiscriminate arrests of Palestinians, land seizures, and violence against Palestinian places of worship and homes.
• He further condemns Israel for incarcerating Palestinian children, women, and men in what he terms "concentration camps" and for conducting targeted killings and assassinations of Palestinians.
• The prince also asserts that Israel is funneling Qatari money to Hamas.

Western discourse

He extends his criticism to Western politicians who he believes show partiality by mourning Israeli casualties while not expressing equal sorrow when Palestinians are killed.

A voice of reason

The detailed and comprehensive condemnations are an eye-opening response to the ongoing conflict. 

This balanced approach emphasizes the suffering of all parties involved and calls for global attention towards a lasting solution. In a conflict marked by deep divisions, Prince Turki's comments are a testament of balance and dignified diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says his country is seeking de-escalation and lifting the siege on Gaza, as well as restoring a path to peace and helping Palestinians obtain their rights.