Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief and one-time ambassador to the U.S., Prince Turki al-Faisal, delivered a scathing critique of both Hamas and Israel during a speech at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University on Tuesday. In his address, Prince Turki condemned Hamas’s alleged targeting of civilians, stating, “Such targeting belies Hamas’s claim to Islamic identity.” He also criticized the organization for giving “an excuse to an Israeli government that is universally shunned” to carry out attacks on Gaza. On the other hand, he lambasted Israel for its actions in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly its indiscriminate bombing and arrest of Palestinian civilians. He remarked, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” emphasizing the gravity of both sides’ actions. The Prince, who is perceived to be close to the royal palace, further lamented the sabotage of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to find a peaceful resolution for the Palestinians by Hamas. He took issue with Israel’s tactics, questioning the narrative presented by the American media about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a powerful closing, Prince Turki criticized the unequal response of Western politicians to the conflict, stating, “There are no heroes in this complex, only victims.” Prince Turki’s comments are notable as he remains one of the most prominent Saudi figures to openly critique Hamas. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)