Riyadh does not want to jeopardize possible normalization with Tel Aviv

Mehr News Agency-Intergroup The International: Months have passed since the beginning of the brutal war of the Zionist regime against the Gaza Strip and the martyrdom and wounding of a large number of residents of this strip, the killing machine of Tel Aviv still has not stopped. However, the genocide and killing of innocent Palestinians in front of the eyes of the world has informed the public opinion of the whole world. Numerous protest demonstrations in support of the Palestinians and the Gaza Strip and condemning the crimes of the Zionist regime have been held and are still ongoing.

Muslims and non-Muslims in Islamic and non-Islamic countries constantly demand an end to the Gaza war and the suffering of the Palestinians. One of the largest gatherings of Muslims is held every year in Saudi Arabia, and it is when Muslims from all over the world gather for the Hajj ceremony. This great ceremony is one of the most prominent opportunities for Muslims to make their voice heard by the world by announcing their disgust and condemnation of the ongoing war in Gaza.

However, the surprising thing is that, despite repeated requests for an end to the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia has announced that pilgrims will not be allowed to shout anti-Israeli slogans or protest against the Zionist regime during this year’s ceremony. !

Mehr Media Group, in order to further investigate and clarify this issue, arranged an exclusive interview with Professor Koch and sought his opinions on this issue.

Dr. Koch said about this: Saudi Arabia has no strategic desire to jeopardize the possible normalization of relations with Tel Aviv. Riyadh’s priority is internal stability and focusing on national priorities and avoiding any new “Arab Spring” movement inside this country.

He added: This approach reflects an action that balances religious duties and managing political and strategic interests.

According to the international professor of Bursa University, Saudi Arabia, as the cradle of Islam and the inheritor and custodian of its most sacred places, has historically been a supporter of the Palestinian cause. However, according to him, Riyadh does not allow discussion or protest against Israel in the House of God due to the complexity of the mutual effects of religious, political and strategic components.

He added: From a religious point of view, the main duty of Riyadh is to ensure the safety and sanctity of Hajj ceremonies and rituals. Anti-Israeli debates in Mecca risk turning the holy land into a political arena, thus jeopardizing the peaceful pilgrimage. Saudi authorities are afraid that issuing permits for political gatherings will lead to unrest and endanger the safety of pilgrims.

Koch emphasized in the end: Politically, Saudi Arabia has been trying to improve its relations with Israel with the aim of strengthening its position in the region. Riyadh also does not want to raise the profile of Hamas in the Arab world and prefers to take a silent stance towards Israel and the situation in Gaza.