How Muslim Governments Are Complicit in Gaza’s Genocide — UCLA Scholar Explains

Quick Overview

Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl argues that the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the Palestinian plight are not merely religious or political issues, but are fundamentally rooted in a post-colonial, racist Israeli narrative—supported by the US administration and Arab leaders—that prioritizes Israeli security and expansion over Palestinian rights and universal human dignity, making the current situation unsustainable.

Key Points: The current genocide in Gaza and the Palestinian crisis stem from a post-colonial, racist Israeli narrative that claims divine and historical right to the land, excluding others. The US administration, including the Biden administration, is complicit by supporting Israel, often prioritizing Israeli security and expansion over Palestinian rights. A significant portion of American Muslim leaders and voters, including 31.5% of Muslim voters in the 2020 election, are disillusioned with Democratic candidates due to this perceived complicity. Abou El Fadl argues that the Israeli narrative is closely followed by Western media and is fundamentally anti-Muslim and anti-Arab, contrasting sharply with what he believes is the true spirit of Islamic ethics and values. The expert points to the historical parallel of European colonizers displacing Indigenous peoples and the resulting hypocrisy when the West condemns similar actions abroad while supporting Israel's actions against Palestinians. The current situation is unsustainable because it relies on the subjugation of Palestinians, and the only hope is for the masses to rise against the corrupt ruling elites who ignore universal human rights.

Context: The video features an interview on the Zeteo program "Mehdi Unfiltered" between host Mehdi Hasan and Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl, a distinguished professor of law at UCLA and an expert in Islamic and Western traditions. The discussion centers on the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine, specifically addressing the concept of genocide, the role of Muslim leaders, and the underlying ideological narratives driving the conflict, particularly post-colonialism and Islamophobia.