Expert Explains: How Netanyahu’s war unexpectedly birthed an Islamic defence alliance

In 1969, the Al-Aqsa Mosque arson incident led to the creation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), prioritising Palestine and Jerusalem. Over five decades later, another Israeli conflict in Gaza has sparked a new development – a defence pact among Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. This pact emerged as a response to Israel's expansion in the West Bank, hard stance against a Palestinian state, and strained relations with the US, which once attempted to normalise ties with Israel.

Israel's brutal campaign in Gaza has claimed over 70,000 Palestinian lives, causing the Saudi proposal to recognise Israel to become untenable. The Iran-Iraq war, US support for Saudi-Israel relations, Ukraine-Russia conflict, and Israel's targeting of Iran-backed groups have all contributed to the shifting regional dynamics. Israel's perceived opportunity to install a pro-Israel regime in Tehran and curb Iran's nuclear ambitions has prompted US involvement in the war against Iran.

However, Iran's defence capabilities have surprised the US, Israel, and Arab states by seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies. The new tripartite agreement among Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia reflects the shifting regional power dynamics and the evolving security landscape.