The brutal assault on two young Egyptian American boys outside the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations is not an isolated act of violence, but part of a wider pattern of repression—one that seeks to crush voices demanding an end to ‘Israel’s’ genocide against our people in Gaza. These orders came directly from Egypt’s foreign minister, who was caught on video instructing his diplomats to drag protesters inside embassy buildings and assault them.

‘Israel’s’ genocide and apartheid project—backed by the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and the rest of the imperial West—cannot proceed without the complicity of Arab regimes. From Jordan’s theatrical airdrops of crumbs of humanitarian aid to Egypt’s central role in tightening the siege, these governments are not neutral. They are partners in the starvation of Gaza. Their cooperation with Zionist and imperial powers is a betrayal of Islam, a betrayal of Arab unity, and a betrayal of the ummah’s sacred duty to stand with Palestine.

Yet, while governments betray, the Arab and Muslim masses continue to rise in defiance. From chaining embassy gates in The Hague to banging pots outside embassies worldwide, masses of ordinary people have made clear that we will not be silent as Gaza is starved into submission. The Arab and Muslim political masses know their duty—to reject the moral corruption of rulers who have aligned themselves with the killers of our people. The Qur’an reminds us: “And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you.” (Hud 11:113). Those who cooperate with Zionism will find themselves isolated, exposed, and confronted by their own people.

The struggle of our time is not simply about borders and crossings. It is about the existence of the Palestinian people in their homeland, and about the survival of a multilateral system of justice and law that Zionism and its Arab and Western allies are tearing apart. The siege on Gaza is not only a war crime but it is a test of humanity.

We call on Egypt and all Arab regimes to end your complicity in this man-made famine. Stand with Gaza, stand with Palestine, or stand exposed before your people and before Allah. Liberation will not be granted by those who betray us—it will be seized by the steadfastness of our people and the solidarity of the ummah.

“O you who believe, stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God.” (Qur’an 4:135)

In solidarity,

The Palestine Diaspora Movement