The Meaning of the War That Began in Gaza, Set the Middle East Ablaze, and Changed the World

The Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades on 7 October 2023 went down in history not merely as a local act of resistance, but as a strategic operation that shook the global balance of power. This operation reflected the same strategic mindset and determination that, following the attacks of 11 September 2001, drew the United States into the Afghan quagmire and exhausted the power of states possessing the world's deadliest weapons. Just as the Afghan mujahideen wore down superpowers by making use of mountains, tunnels, and popular support, Gaza's underground tunnel network and its steadfast resistance fighters have drawn the Zionist regime and the global powers behind it into the very same trap.

This war has stripped away the mask of Zionist ideology and exposed Israel to the world as a genocidal entity. The massacres carried out without distinction between women, children, and civilians have laid bare the hypocrisy of the West and the collapse of its discourse on "human rights." The victory achieved through the unbreakable determination of Yahya Sinwar and his comrades—whose struggle began with sticks and slingshots and who never surrendered—has once again proved that technological superiority is not always decisive.

7 October 2023 – The Initial Shock and the Rise of Resistance

Hamas' surprise attack shattered Israel's myth of invincibility within two hours. The infiltration of highly secure military facilities, the elimination of senior figures, and the capture of hostages destroyed the reputation of both Mossad and the Israeli military. Israel responded with a strategy aimed at reducing Gaza to rubble; however, this only strengthened the resistance and transformed it into a global symbol of defiance.

2024–2025: Brutality and the Global Response

Israel's bombardments, carried out with the support of the United States, led to the martyrdom of at least 110,000 Palestinians. Despite the rulings of international courts, the genocide continued. The unconditional support provided by the United States and Europe for Israel inflicted a profound moral and reputational blow upon the Western alliance.

2025–2026: Ceasefire and a New Balance of Power

As the conflict dragged on, Israel's military, economy, and society became increasingly exhausted. Eventually, ceasefire processes came into effect in October 2025, yet instead of bringing lasting peace, they gave rise to new tensions. The holding of the NATO Summit in Ankara demonstrated, in the clearest possible way, the shifting balance of global power. At the same time, the growing number of regional leaders visiting Ankara reinforced Türkiye's role as a mediator and a force for regional stability.

This chronology has exposed the helplessness of the Zionism-Israel-United States axis. Excessive violence, the depletion of material and moral resources, and the loss of international legitimacy paved the way for the victory of the resistance.

The Decline of the Great Powers

Throughout this process, the United States and Europe completely abandoned their moral values in their determination to protect Zionist ideology. While openly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they gave unconditional support to Israel's genocide, reducing their rhetoric of "democracy" and "human rights" to little more than a mockery. The bloody face of what is called "European civilization" became visible to the entire world, as political positions appeared to be determined by the eye color and hair color of children in Ukraine and Gaza.

Washington's pressure on the Gulf states and its attempts to force Arab governments to take sides are also clear signs of weakness. While ordinary people across the region had no desire to become part of this war, policies imposed upon political elites turned the Middle East into a region engulfed in flames. Under the pretext of "security," Israel became increasingly reckless, yet instead of making itself safer, it found itself more isolated and more insecure than at any other point in its history. The Netanyahu government jeopardized Israel's long-term future for the sake of short-term gains. Europe's initial support for genocidal Israel, followed by its subsequent silence, deepened its own internal crises while fueling growing resentment throughout the Muslim world. These powers can no longer be regarded as safe harbors. As peoples across the world test the emerging international order, the old order is steadily collapsing.

Israel's Decline, the Exhaustion of Zionism

Dror Shalom, a retired Brigadier General who formerly served as head of the Political-Military Bureau of Israel's Ministry of Defense, described his country's current situation in an interview this week with the following words:

"At the strategic level, we have not achieved a decisive outcome on any front. Hamas is still standing; Hezbollah is far from being disarmed; Iran still exists, even though we may have pushed back its nuclear program to some extent, and it is holding negotiations with the Americans over the Strait of Hormuz on issues that are not even centered on the nuclear file. All of this is taking place at a time when Israel's international standing has, in my opinion, reached an unprecedented low, and when relations with the United States are not at their best."

The Arab States and Iran: Resistance and the Search for a Realistic Path

The Arab world has undergone a major test throughout this period. Although countries such as the United Arab Emirates initially took steps toward normalization with Israel, Israel's brutality and growing security concerns have compelled them to reconsider their positions. Dreams once shared across Africa and the Middle East have rapidly turned into nightmares. The Gulf states have no desire to be drawn into the vortex of the U.S.-Israel axis and instead seek to prioritize their own security. The agendas surrounding the visits of Middle Eastern leaders to Ankara reflect efforts to rebuild trust and search for new alliances.

As for Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the country's religious leadership find themselves in a difficult position. Although the Iranian regime has been involved in numerous hostile actions against Sunni Muslims, Iran's resistance in the face of U.S. and Israeli attacks is now widely appreciated.

The Gulf states do not accept Iran's surrender. However, instead of directing its actions against American and Israeli targets, the Revolutionary Guards' ruthless attacks on Muslim countries have poisoned regional relations.

If Iran demonstrates sincere regional solidarity against the common enemy, it can open the way to overcoming past grievances. The suffering endured by the Iranian people deeply affects all Muslims, and these shared hardships should unite rather than divide us. No one should fall into the trap laid by external powers seeking to inflame Sunni-Shia divisions.

The Crusader-Zionist coalition that occupied Sunni Afghanistan, overthrew the Sunni government in Iraq, sought to seize Sunni Palestine, and is now attacking Shiite Iran had, at the same time, maintained very close and covert cooperation with the Iranian regime in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Yet relations between states are changing rapidly. The growing orientation of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, Libya, Algeria, Senegal, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Sudan toward Ankara demonstrates that regional leadership is shifting to Türkiye.

The Test of the New World Order and Regional Realities

The Middle East has become the laboratory of the emerging world order. Russia and China have revealed their own limitations. The West's policies are being tested there. The Gulf states are searching for new strategic alternatives. The true face of Israel and Zionism has been exposed. The manipulations carried out through organizations such as ISIS and the traps laid against Sunni Muslims have also been laid bare during this process.

The United States must put an end to the turmoil in Basra and the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its plans to exploit instability in the Gulf. Otherwise, major internal fractures within the United States itself will become inevitable.

Türkiye's Role: Stability and Strategic Gains

Throughout this critical period, Türkiye has emerged as the most comfortable and stable actor in the region. With the strength of its defense industry, its diplomatic maneuverability, and its humanitarian stance, it has become both the voice of the oppressed and a key force in shaping regional dynamics.

While hosting the NATO Summit—the military alliance of the West—Türkiye, which also serves as Hamas's principal supporter, conveyed powerful diplomatic, cultural, political, and historical messages. Its growing international prestige and its success in bringing regional leaders together demonstrate that Türkiye is becoming the center of the emerging international system.

Türkiye's Achievements

● Diplomatic Leadership:
Through mediation in the search for peace and the visits of regional leaders, Türkiye is building the foundations for new alliances.

● Security and Defense:
By preventing Kurdish groups from being used within the Israel-U.S. axis, Türkiye has demonstrated its strength to both its allies and its adversaries.

● Economic and Strategic Depth:
Through expanding cooperation with the Gulf states, Türkiye's influence over energy corridors and trade routes is growing rapidly.

● Growing Prestige:
By standing firmly behind the Palestinian cause, Türkiye has further strengthened its leadership role throughout the Muslim world.

By managing this process wisely, Türkiye has not only safeguarded its national interests but has also laid the foundation for greater unity within the Islamic world.

Conclusion: The Alliance of the Oppressed, Victory, and Freedom

This war in the Middle East has accelerated the collapse of Zionism and the disintegration of the old international order.

If Muslims unite—Sunni and Shia, Arabs, Turks, and Iranians—the achievements that can be attained will be extraordinary. Once this unity is realized, other oppressed peoples beyond the Muslim world will also seek to become part of it.

Standing as one against the common enemy—from Palestine to Kashmir, from Mexico to Cuba, from Venezuela to the nations of Africa—will bring freedom to oppressed lands across the world.

Destiny is compelling Muslims toward unity. Once that unity is achieved, a struggle that began with sticks and slingshots will grow into the rebirth of civilizations and the realization of great victories.

Under Türkiye's leadership, the foundations of a new world are being laid. By the will of Allah, oppression will come to an end and justice will prevail. Let there be no doubt about it.

Translated by Günel Ağha