The Al-Aqsa Storm operation and its ongoing repercussions since October 7th represent, at their core, a test for everyone. Some – a few – emerged from this test successfully, with their integrity intact and their heads held high, while – many – others failed, abandoning their humanity and disregarding their conscience.
The first test: Humanity
The primary test of the Al-Aqsa Storm operations is a test of humanity. Some countries succeeded in this test, notably South Africa, which filed a lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Other countries that recognized the Palestinian state, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, also passed this test. Professors and students in American and Western universities, as well as institutions that suspended academic cooperation with the Zionist entity and withdrew investments from companies supporting Israeli occupation, excelled in this test. Those who supported Palestinians through words, actions, or financial aid, as well as those who protested against the massacres in Gaza and declared their solidarity with the Palestinian cause, also passed.
However, the Palestinian Authority, along with Arab and Islamic countries such as UAE and Bahrain that supported Israeli aggression against Gaza, failed this test miserably. Hundreds of millions of people, especially in Arab and Islamic countries, also failed because they remained silent in the face of what was happening to their brethren in Gaza, failing to offer any support.
Naturally, Zionist Arabs, including officials, media personalities, and artists, who blamed the resistance for the events following the Al-Aqsa Storm operation and equated victims with aggressors, also failed. They appeared in advertisements for companies supporting the Zionist entity, attempting unsuccessfully to break the boycott that inflicted significant losses on these supportive companies.
The second test: Arabism
The second test is a test of Arabism, in which Arabs failed miserably, especially the nationalists among them. They remained silent, failing to defend their brethren against the vile criminals who came from various corners of the earth to occupy Palestine with the support of major powers. The Arab League, supposed to be the collective framework for Arabs and Arab countries, provided minimal support to Palestinians in confronting Israeli killing machines that have claimed Palestinian lives for a century. Furthermore, some Arab countries besieged Gaza, while others provided energy and food to the Zionist entity.
The third test: Faith
The third test is a test of faith. We believe that our brethren in Gaza passed this test admirably, supported by Allah Almighty in facing the entire world. Signs of this support include verses from the Quran emphasizing the victory of a few believers over many disbelievers. The incredible patience in the face of death and destruction, the loss of loved ones, injuries, financial hardship, displacement, and famine also demonstrate their faith.
Conversely, hypocrites, pessimists, and detractors, who held the resistance responsible for the aftermath of the Al-Aqsa Storm operation and doubted the ability of the Mujahideen to confront their enemies, failed this test.
The fourth test: Change
Many failed the fourth test, a test of change for the better. Despite the profound impact of the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, many remained unchanged in their interests, preoccupied with trivial matters and the frivolity of celebrities. They continued their lives as usual, indulging in food, drink, sleep, and lust. However, unlike animals, humans are endowed with intellect and knowledge, and angels bow down to them, created to worship and sink to a lower level if they content themselves with the life of animals. The failure to contribute to supporting the resilience of Palestinians against the ruthless Israeli occupation, to boycott companies supporting Israel, and to follow those supporting the Zionist entity are all signs of failure in the test of change.
How can we succeed in the test of the Al-Aqsa Storm?
There is still an opportunity to reassess ourselves in facing this real test. The minimum requirement for success in this test is to be human, to feel the injustice inflicted on Palestinians, to stand up for the oppressed, and to support them against those who attack them, not out of a mere pretence of humanity.
