Saudi-Emirati Mockery Over Al-Sinwar’s Martyrdom Sparks Widespread Outrage on Social Media

The reactions to the martyrdom of Yahya Al-Sinwar, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, have sparked a heated wave of controversy and anger across social media platforms. Among the reactions, the disturbing trend of gloating and schadenfreude displayed by certain Saudi and Emirati social media users, often described as “pro-Zionists,” has ignited widespread condemnation.

This reaction is not just an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend of betrayal and complicity that many Palestinians and their supporters feel has been orchestrated by these two nations.

Social Media Outrage Over Mockery of Martyrdom

The martyrdom of Al-Sinwar, a key figure in the resistance against Israeli occupation, was a moment of grief for Palestinians and supporters of the Palestinian cause worldwide. However, a handful of tweets from individuals associated with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated this loss, revealing an alarming level of insensitivity and hostility towards the resistance. The gloating was perceived as an act of betrayal, especially from nations that claim to be defenders of the Arab and Islamic world.

Algerian journalist Khadija Ben Qenna expressed her indignation, saying:

“There are still people among us with the bloodline of Abdullah Ibn Ubayy Ibn Salul and his ilk. Their deceit is profound, and their treachery knows no bounds. These are the ones who rejoice over the calamities that befall Muslims and lament their victories. Allah Almighty described them when He said: ‘If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm strikes you, they rejoice at it.’“

Ben Qenna’s reference to historical figures associated with treachery within the Muslim community underscores the gravity of what many see as a modern-day betrayal by those who have sided with oppressive regimes against their own brethren.

Qatari journalist Jaber Al-Harmi also weighed in, drawing a comparison with the pre-Islamic era:

“The Arab in the pre-Islamic era respected heroes and warriors, even if they fought against them. They would praise their bravery even if they were adversaries and would not mock them if they were killed. In the 21st century, some who falsely claim to be Arabs have sunk lower than the Arabs of ignorance. They rejoice when their enemies kill heroes from their own people and kin. An Arab with dignity and morals does not relinquish his values, even at the tip of the sword.“

The Saudi-Emirati Role: A Knife in the Back of the Arabs and Muslims

The public’s anger over these insensitive comments highlights a more profound and pervasive issue. Over recent years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been criticized for their policies and actions, which have often been seen as a betrayal of the Arab and Muslim causes. From their role in regional conflicts to their normalization of ties with Israel, these nations’ actions have been viewed as a series of stabs in the back to Arab unity and solidarity.

Libya: The chaos in Libya, which erupted after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, saw Saudi Arabia and the UAE playing roles that exacerbated the conflict. By supporting rival factions and militias, these nations fueled a war that tore the country apart, leading to a humanitarian crisis that still persists today. Their involvement was not aimed at peace or stability but rather at ensuring control over the country’s resources and political landscape, regardless of the cost to the Libyan people.

Syria: The devastation of Syria is another dark chapter where Saudi and Emirati involvement has had destructive consequences. Their backing of various factions contributed to the fragmentation and bloodshed in the country, a nation that once stood as a proud symbol of resistance against Zionism. The interference of these nations only deepened the crisis, turning Syria into a battlefield for regional power plays.

Palestine: And now, the betrayal has reached Palestine. The normalization deals signed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE with Israel were a blow to the Palestinian struggle. These agreements, under the guise of “peace,” were seen by many as a complete abandonment of the Palestinian cause. They effectively paved the way for further Israeli aggression and expansion, while leaving Palestinians to face the occupation alone. These deals were not just political agreements; they were symbols of how far these nations were willing to go to prioritize their own interests over the unity and dignity of the Arab and Muslim world.

A Continuation of Betrayal

The gloating over the martyrdom of Yahya Al-Sinwar, a leader who represented the struggle against occupation, is seen as a continuation of this betrayal. It is an echo of the larger narrative where certain Arab nations have chosen to align themselves with powers that seek to undermine the unity and resilience of the Muslim community.

This betrayal is not just about political alliances; it is about a deeper ethical and moral decay where values of solidarity, resistance, and justice are sacrificed for short-term gains and geopolitical maneuvering. The rejoicing over Al-Sinwar’s martyrdom is thus not just a distasteful reaction but a representation of how far these regimes have strayed from the principles they once claimed to uphold.