Why are Arab States 'All Talk, No Action' on Gaza?

An Afghan expert explains why Muslim and Arab states have been remarkably ineffective regarding the destruction in Gaza. The frustration of a large part of the international public opinion regarding the stance of leaders towards Israel's crimes against the Palestinians is increasingly growing. Unfortunately, even the Arab states are conspicuous by their absence.

Recently, former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the EU's stance on Israel as a bad joke given the crimes. At the same time, the main institution of Arab states, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), also seems to stand out for its strong rhetoric without being accompanied by actions, in complete contrast to the bold actions of the past.

The OIC, based in Saudi Arabia, consists of 57 mainly Muslim countries and defines itself as the 'collective voice of the Muslim world.' Yet, as noted by Afghan professor Amin Saikal, the OIC has proven powerless in the face of Israel's relentless attack on Gaza.

Saikal recalls that the OIC has condemned Israel's operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid to the starving population of the Strip. However, its stance does not differ substantially from that of the international community in general. It is mainly verbal and without practical results.

For example, the OIC has failed to persuade Israel's neighboring countries - especially Egypt and Jordan - to open their border crossings to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.