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Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qaeda's affiliated in Yemen, called for jihad against the United States and Israel after the latter resumed military operations in Gaza.
AQAP: Israel's Military Action In Gaza Is A "Sign Heralding Its Demise"
On March 25, 2025, AQAP's media arm, Al-Malahem, released a nine-page statement titled "The Events of Palestine and what Muslims are Required to Do."[1] The statement called on Muslims to mobilize and wage jihad against Israel in defense of Gaza.
It opened by accusing Israel of breaching its ceasefire deal with Hamas – a development which, it said, spells the state's end. "The Zionist Jews have tormented our Muslim brothers in Palestine by violating agreements and covenants, as is their habit. They have shunned the guarantees of mediators, thereby provoking the sentiments of all Muslims," the statement read, continuing, "These events, despite their bitterness, hardship, and distress on the soul, are signs heralding the imminent demise of the alleged state of this oppressive entity [Israel]."
"Treacherous Muslim Governments" Have Enabled Isreal
AQAP also railed against what it called "subservient and treacherous Muslim Governments," which have enabled Israel to attack Gaza without fear of recourse. "It has become clear to all that this Jewish state and its Crusader allies have only committed these massacres and atrocities against the Muslims of Gaza because of their full knowledge that the subservient and treacherous Muslim Government would not lift a finger in Gaza and Palestine and would not display any degree of honor toward their brothers in Palestine in general and Gaza in particular."
In particular, the statement criticized the King of Jordan for his recent meeting in the White House with US President Trump, writing: "The scene of the tyrant of Jordan with the criminal Trump is neither absent nor strange to us, for it is the clearest evidence of the baseness of this group of traitors, the apostate rulers." However, it also lambasted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as "the sons of Zayed" – a reference to the UAE – and the "tyrants of the House of Al Saud."
AQAP To Muslims: "It Is Time For You To Join The Caravan Of Your Mujahideen Brothers While You Are In The Month Of Jihad"
The statement issued a call to action: "How long will this submission and surrender to such governments that are loyal to the enemies of Islam and Muslims continue?" Addressing "all segments of our Muslim nation – scholars, preachers, dignitaries, and influential figures in the Islamic world in general, and in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon in particular" – AQAP urged Muslims to "fulfill their duty" of standing up for their Muslim brothers in Gaza by waging jihad: "It is time for you to join the caravan of your mujahideen brothers – while you are in the month of jihad [Ramadan] – and respond to the call of your Lord."
The statement also warned Muslims against – "once again" – abandoning Muslims in Gaza to be "prey to the sons of monkeys and pigs, who kill them day and night." Refraining from jihad, it said, is a "great sin that will bring the wrath of Allah on you."
Indeed, it asserted that even if the entire Islamic ummah performed its religious duties fully – but neglected to "fight in the cause of Allah against the enemies of Allah, the Jews and Christians and their followers" – still Allah would not lift the Muslims out of their current state of humiliation and disgrace.
The statement reiterated the point: "The blood of your oppressed Muslims sons, which is being shed today unjustly by the enemies of Allah, the Zionists and the Crusaders, is a grave matter."
AQAP also warned against allowing the Rafidites – a pejorative term for Iran and Shi'ite Muslims – to seize the opportunity to avenge Muslims in Gaza. By such means, it said, Iran deceives the youth into joining its ranks and distorts their ideology.
"We Call On All Zealous Muslims To Kill The Zionist Jews And All Those Who Support And Back Them Anywhere In The World"
The statement asked rhetorically: "Who is for Trump, Netanyahu, and their lackeys among the Arab rulers, for they have harmed Allah and His messenger?" It responded: "We, in Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, call on all zealous Muslims to kill the Zionist Jews and all those who support and back them anywhere in the world, without consulting anyone."
It also quoted Osama bin Laden, noting that his remarks – "the first enemy of Islam and Muslims is America" – have proven true in light of recent events. "We must stand against [the US] militarily and economically, with words, statements, and incitement, and refute its plans, plots and intrigues," the statement added.
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