Hanane Djoua
Doha
In an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, Dr Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the National Initiative Movement, delivered a scathing critique of the international community’s inaction on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader instability in the region.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Dr Barghouti attributed the failure to halt the destruction and killing in Gaza to a global bias toward Israel and the widespread adoption of false narratives that distort the reality of the Palestinian struggle.
"The reason for the international community’s failure to stop the destruction and killing in Gaza is its bias toward Israel,” he said.
"Ignorance also plays a role, as does the acceptance of Israel’s false narrative, which portrays Palestinians as terrorists and Israel as the victim. The reality, however, is the exact opposite—Israel is the one committing crimes against us, and this is the real problem.”
Dr Barghouti acknowledged that some nations, such as Spain and Norway, have taken principled stances. Yet, he criticized the broader international failure, citing racism as a key factor behind anti-Palestinian positions. He called for a clear and united Arab response to challenge these injustices.
"The most important thing Arabs can do is send two clear messages: First, that there can be no normalization with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue and granting the Palestinian people their full rights; and second, that the interests of the United States are tied to its stance on Palestine,” he emphasized.
A call for concrete action
Dr Barghouti underscored the urgency of holding Israel accountable through international sanctions and boycotts, framing these measures as the only effective way to halt what he described as genocide in Gaza.
"Our demand is very clear: if you claim that international and humanitarian law exists, then impose sanctions on Israel now. This is the only way to achieve meaningful change,” he said.
He further criticized countries that profess support for a two-state solution while failing to recognize the State of Palestine, labeling such behaviour as hypocritical and a deliberate tactic to allow Israel more time to annex occupied territories.
Linking Gaza to regional dynamics
Dr Barghouti also highlighted the interconnectedness of the crises in Gaza and Syria, asserting that Israel’s actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.
"Israel appears to have a strategic interest in destabilizing and fragmenting the region, taking deliberate actions to divide it. This stems from a desire to prevent any neighboring country from emerging as strong, capable, or influential,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and supporting its people, warning that Israel’s actions in the region are deeply harmful to stability and peace.
"Our priority is to safeguard Syria’s unity as a nation and advance the well-being of its citizens. However, Israel’s intentions toward Syria seem deeply detrimental and counterproductive to regional stability,” he said.
A dire need for global responsibility
Dr Barghouti’s remarks at the Doha Forum serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Palestine and the broader Middle East. His call for international accountability and Arab solidarity underscores the urgent need for action to address decades of systemic injustice and instability.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates and regional dynamics remain fraught with tension, Dr Barghouti’s words echo the sentiment of many seeking a path toward peace and equity in the Middle East.