Operation Al-Aqsa Flood: How did Jihadist Groups React to?

Following the recent outbreak of clashes between the Al-Qassam Brigades and the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, there was a surge in Arab, international, and public reactions, ranging from supporters to opponents. However, what's notable is that this divide wasn't just among the general public or ruling classes, but also extended to include local and global jihadist organizations of various denominations - both Sunni and Shia. This necessitates a closer look at these significant positions and an examination of how these jihadist groups have responded to this major global event.

Al-Qaeda branches: Some supporters and others ready to engage

"The Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Malahem group released a video containing quotes from the organization's leaders and their call to jihad in Palestine, such as the statements of Osama bin Laden. Some Al-Qaeda members from various branches emphasized that their fight is an extension of the Palestinians' jihad against Israel. Additionally, other Al-Qaeda branches have issued multiple statements, praising the operations led by Hamas, supporting them, and expressing their readiness to join them in various ways.

The group 'Al-Malahem Foundation', affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has released a video statement containing many quotes from the organization's leaders to urge fighters to engage in Jihad in Palestine, including statements attributed to 'Osama bin Laden'. Additionally, the statement confirmed that some Al-Qaeda members from various branches believe their fight is an extension of the Palestinian Jihad against Israel. Other branches of Al-Qaeda have also released multiple statements, praising and supporting the operations led by Hamas and expressing their willingness to join them in various ways.

In the landscape of these declarations, there emerges a resonant theme: Jerusalem isn't just a city; it's the heartbeat of the Muslim world. Al-Qaeda, in its rhetoric, frames its defense of Jerusalem as more than just a mission – it's a sacred duty, a calling. On the ground, this sentiment has translated into operations, strikingly labeled " Jerusalem Will Never Be Judaized". This clarion call wasn't exclusive to Al-Qaeda; it echoed through the dusty streets of Somalia with the Al-Shabaab militants in 2020 and 2021. And in a show of solidarity, the Guardians of Religion Organization picked up this very refrain, signaling their backing for Hamas and amplifying the drive to safeguard Al-Aqsa with the same potent phrase, " Jerusalem Will Never Be Judaized".

From East to West, statements emerged from Al-Qaeda's branches, spanning its affiliations in the Indian Subcontinent, Syria, the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, and its two western African factions - the Organization of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. However, a publication by the media house "Echoes of the Indian Invasion" prominently headlined its weekly magazine with "The Rest is Up to You" and featured an image of a pilot landing his glider atop the Al-Aqsa.

In its latest issue, the magazine sought to invoke the "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" within the context of Al-Qaeda's efforts to rejuvenate its war against the so-called "puppet" regimes. It also highlighted historical victories - exemplified by Salahuddin (Saladin) - and defeats - represented by “the kings of the territorial divisions” /Taifa kings in Al-Andalus (medieval Muslim Spain). The magazine posits that the line between triumph and defeat hinges on two things: either the revival of the duty of Jihad or its neglect.

The magazine also touched upon a variety of other topics. For instance, it didn't shy away from critiquing Saudi Arabia, especially its openness to the world. The author labeled the perceived spread of prostitution near the two holy mosques as a sign of this openness. In another comparison, the magazine equated the Israeli bombardment of Gaza to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II.

For the publication, the solution is both straightforward and intricate simultaneously. It advocates for igniting Jihad in various parts of the world, including Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Bangladesh, Yemen, Mali, Algeria, Syria, Somalia, and culminating in Palestine. They argue that supporting the "brethren" in these regions, especially in Palestine, can only be achieved through this Jihad.

In line with this, publications across all branches of the organization, from Syria to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, have praised the "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". They've expressed admiration for Hamas and the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades for targeting Israeli forces, pledging their support and urging Muslims to do the same. It's also noteworthy that the Afghan Taliban and various Shiite militias in Iraq, Yemen, and Syria have also lauded the "Al-Aqsa Flood".

ISIS

ISIS was not distant from the unfolding events. The magazine "Al-Naba", overseen by the organization's media department, dedicated consecutive issues (412-413) to articles discussing the Al-Aqsa issue, the Israeli occupation, and included infographics guiding Muslims on what they could do to support Al-Aqsa and aid the "afflicted" Muslims in Gaza. These articles also incorporated images showcasing the Israeli military's destructive actions in the Palestinian Strip.

The magazine titled the article in its first issue, 412, as "Supporting Muslims." It highlighted the imperatives of supporting the cause and its necessity, emphasizing that it is a doctrinal duty rather than just a humanitarian or legal obligation. In the article, the organization implicitly referred to the suffering of the people in Gaza and called upon Muslims to support the afflicted. The second article, in issue 413, was titled "Practical Steps to Fight the Jews," aiming to go a step further than Al-Qaeda affiliates. It asserted that fighting alongside the "Iranian axis" would not achieve the Muslims' aspirations, namely the implementation of Sharia and the establishment of the Caliphate. Instead, it would makes things worse. This is because such an approach adheres to a narrative of human rights, specific international laws, and humanitarianism. The article stressed that sticking to this narrative would not lead to the liberation of Al-Aqsa.

So, what's the solution? The organization addresses the general Muslim populace, notably without mentioning Hamas explicitly, emphasizing that the absence of suicide belts and car bombs is part of their defeat. They insist that such defensive measures must be activated to prevent the Jews from invading the Strip. Toppling the occupation project, they argue, requires an ideological reform that moves beyond the discourses of nationalism and democracy.

Brief Comparison Between Al-Qaeda and ISIS

To start this paragraph, reference must be made to ISIS. The media division of the group took almost two weeks to briefly shed light on the situation in the Gaza Strip. The organization’s media machine took nearly two weeks to briefly highlight the Gaza issue, while meticulously alluding to Hamas’ practices concerning liberation rhetoric, the narrative of handling hostages, and the necessity of aligning with an international axis - regardless of its association with the Iranian axis in this case - to achieve military and political objectives.

On the other hand, the organization presents a narrative outside this framework; as it does not recognize national or international boundaries and sees the battle as between two camps - faith and disbelief. Moreover, ISIS sees the ruling political regimes appease the world to confront Muslims and retain their positions. Similarly, other organizations, according to the organization, in one way or another, collude to counteract ISIS, which operates outside the bounds of human laws.

In line with this, comments from the organization's supporters emerged from the first day of the conflict. They explicitly highlighted what they described as Hamas's "collaboration" with the Israeli occupation and neighboring countries to prevent ISIS from reaching Gaza and confronting the occupation therein. In addition to this, they denounced Hamas's ideological stance, which calls for adhering to international and humanitarian law and seeks international cooperation against daily violations by the occupation, among other differences that they spotlighted.

As for Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, they quickly issued statements the day after the operation. Successive statements from the affiliates followed. However, they didn't mention any of the points that ISIS emphasized. Instead, all of Al-Qaeda's statements focused on showing support for and gratitude to Hamas, without addressing its political or military conduct. In this manner, the narratives of the organization's supporters and its media institutions proceeded.

From this perspective, a pressing question arises: Can this discrepancy influence our understanding of the vision surrounding the two organizations? In answering, it's essential to highlight that Al-Qaeda's swift response suggests a more rapid engagement with and keen monitoring of events in the Islamic world by this organization. As such, their attempt to issue successive statements leads ISIS supporters to dub Al-Qaeda as the “Organization of Statements." 

On the other hand, ISIS has maintained a distinct approach of delayed opinions and disclosures for over two years. This is evident from their late announcement of the deaths of their recent leaders and the succession of their roles, and their non-acknowledgment of numerous operations conducted by their cells. Such a stance can be attributed to a complex mix of on-ground realities, strategic vision, slow communication, and directives from those overseeing the central media arm and affiliated institutions.