In the aftermath of Israel’s recent aggression against Gaza, and the perceived lack of support from governments for the Palestinian cause, five new resistance groups have emerged in five Arab countries, with three of them originating from Persian Gulf nations. Who are behind these groups? How were they formed? And what dangers these groups pose to Israel?
In various Arab nations, there has been a rise in newly formed resistance factions expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. These groups, officially acknowledging their existence in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Jordan, are committed to opposing the Zionist regime and advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
These resistance groups have also issued warnings of targeting all Israeli interests in the region, spanning from economic hubs to embassies.
These resistance groups are:
1. Ansar al-Sunnah youth in Saudi Arabia
The emergence of the Ansar al-Sunnah youth group in Saudi Arabia has garnered significant attention in the country’s online networks. This Salafi group has made it clear that it is committed to supporting Palestine and will not hesitate to oppose the actions of the Saudi government, which is perceived as not being supportive of the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia’s intelligence and security agencies are actively engaged in efforts to identify and arrest the members of this group in order to prevent the situation from escalating further.
2. Palestinian Supporters Movement in the UAE
The “Palestine Supporters Movement” is the second newly formed resistance group, which made its presence known through the release of the following statement:
“We, a group of young Arab Muslims residing in the UAE, are steadfast in our commitment to our brethren in Palestine and the resilient Gaza Strip. The statement added: With this in mind, we proudly declare the establishment of a pro-Palestinian movement, dedicated to targeting Israel’s interests. Our focus extends to monitoring the Israeli embassy, its ambassador, as well as Jewish-affiliated companies, hotels, resorts, and restaurants associated with this oppressive regime. We vow to ensure that Israeli Jews do not find safety within the territories of other nations.”
In another part of this statement, it is expressed: “We persist in following the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, our revered father and leader, who strongly opposed the Zionists. He remarked that Israel, claiming to be a democracy, is one that harms women and children. If it truly is a democracy, I am willing to part with it for a nominal fee and see it cast into the sea.”
The statement further asserts: “As advocates for Palestine, we remain steadfast in the footsteps of our departed leader, proclaiming that we cast Israel’s interests into the sea.” Additionally, the movement has circulated a video wherein it issues threats and targets the interests of Israel.
3. Two movements Khulafa al-Rashidin and the Mujahid Youth Movement in Bahrain
The Khulafa al-Rashidin Movement and the Mujahid Youth Movement are two Islamic resistance groups that have openly declared their objective to rid the Islamic world of the presence of American and Israeli aggressors, while also providing support to the Palestinian nation.
The Mujahid Youth Movement has released a statement addressing the ongoing aggression and fatalities inflicted upon our brethren in Palestine and Gaza, attributing responsibility for these atrocities to the American government. The statement underscores that these crimes against the rightful inhabitants of Palestine are carried out with the tacit approval of America and at the hands of the usurping Zionist regime, emphasizing their complicity in these actions.
The statement further declares: “We formally declare and underscore the inception of the Mujahid Youth Organization. This organization is committed to following the legacy of Martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, with its primary objective being the targeting of American and Israeli interests within our cherished homeland of Bahrain. In pursuit of this goal, our focus will extend to Port of Mali and the infamous Israeli embassy building.”
4. Salahuddin Ayyubi Army in Jordan
This organization has proclaimed its presence in Jordan, stating in its announcement: “Following the massacre of our people in Gaza and the deafening silence of Arab governments, it becomes imperative to defend Muslims through any means necessary. In pursuit of this objective, the Salahuddin Ayyubi Army is formed in the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan. We declare and emphasize our intent to target the interests of America and Israel. Henceforth, Americans and Israelis are no longer secure in our nation; they face significant peril, as we closely monitor them and will act at the opportune moment.”
The statement additionally includes: “We implore our heroic and courageous nation that whenever they encounter the Zionists, shake the ground beneath their feet.”
5. The Egyptian Resistance movement in Egypt
The fifth resistance group, known as the “Egyptian Resistance Movement,” has officially declared its presence as the name suggests, within Egypt.
The group’s statement says: “In response to the principles of Islam, the call of Al-Aqsa, and the sacrifice of Palestinian martyrs, a cadre of courageous youth in beloved Egypt has established the Egyptian Resistance Movement. Its mission is to dismantle the strongholds of Zionist and American adversaries, dismantling all their vested interests within Egypt.”
The statement urges the valiant people of Egypt to join this movement wholeheartedly, leveraging all available resources to eradicate American and Zionist terrorism.
The shared objective among these five resistance groups, as explicitly outlined in their statements, is to target the interests of the Zionist regime and the United States in the region, aiming to support the Palestinians who have been let down by the actions of Arab governments.
The reasons behind the establishment of the new resistance groups
The persistent occupation of Palestinian territories by the Zionist regime, the enduring plight of the Palestinian populace, the ineffectiveness of political initiatives in securing peace and safeguarding Palestinian rights, and the global silence surrounding the events in Gaza stand out as pivotal reasons behind the establishment of new resistance groups. These groups not only present a substantial menace to the interests of Israel and the United States in the region but also constitute a significant challenge to Arab governments that have either sought to normalize relations with Israel or have taken steps in that direction.