The journalist stressed that the actions of Hamas do not reflect the will of the region’s societies, particularly Palestinian society
In an October 18, 2023 article in the Saudi daily Okaz, journalist Fahd Ibrahim Al-Dughaither strongly criticized Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, describing it as an “all-out suicide operation whose victims were innocent women and children”.
Al-Dughaither argued that this act does not align with the people’s desires in the region and is aimed at thwarting the efforts of regional development led by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
In his article, Al-Dughaither highlighted the recent shift in the region towards a “development first” approach, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and supported by several Gulf states. This approach, often referred to as the “New Europe” vision of the Middle East, focuses on individual growth, innovation, and creativity. It has garnered significant attention and positivity, particularly among the younger generation, replacing older slogans of nationalism, resistance, and Islamization.
Saudi Arabia, along with its Gulf partners, adopted a new principle in providing support and aid, emphasizing economic viability and the transformation of grants into development programs. This new approach requires regional cooperation to remove obstacles and facilitate political arrangements. Saudi Arabia engaged in diplomacy with China and reached understandings with Iran, which led to the reopening of embassies and ambassadors’ reinstatements.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia explored the possibility of normalization with Israel under specific conditions, aiming to pave the way for a two-state solution and other agreements with the United States. While Israel’s stance was initially stubborn, there were indications that it might consider concessions over time.
“Saudi Arabia also agreed to the American government’s mediation regarding the prospect of normalization with Israel, under specified conditions that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state (the two-state solution), along with other conditions between the United States and Saudi Arabia”, he said.
“Despite Israel’s overt stubbornness, indications emerging from the major think tanks in the West do not rule out the possibility that Israel will accede to these demands, albeit gradually. Prior to this, Saudi Arabia dealt with the Yemen issue in the spirit of future reconciliation and optimism, which restored hope and security to the Yemenis, raised the income level of its residents, and stimulated the rebuilding of what was destroyed in the wars”, he added.
However, Al-Dughaither argued that the recent Hamas-Israel conflict disrupted this momentum. The attack was characterized by extreme violence and the targeting of civilians, resulting in a dire humanitarian situation. He suggested that the operation was designed to provoke outrage and reactions that would undermine the development plans serving as an alternative to peace. It aimed to bury these plans in their infancy.
The journalist stressed that the actions of Hamas do not reflect the will of the region’s societies, particularly Palestinian society, including its younger generation, which has grown up witnessing decades of conflicts and failures. Al-Dughaither questioned who benefits from the destruction caused by such actions and expressed concerns that it might lead to a future plagued by conflicts and a lack of positive horizons.
In contrast, Al-Dughaither highlighted the Gulf states’ commitment to building human capital and their open, inclusive approach to embracing Arab innovators, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background. He emphasized that the Gulf states do not support hired militias to pursue expansionist goals and aim to contribute positively to the region’s development.
The article concluded by expressing the hope that the region’s initiatives would prevail over slogans and catastrophes and that the region would no longer be a playground for others to pursue their objectives with the cooperation of Arab agents.
