Dr Imtiaz Sooliman reflects on 2024’s genocidal assault on Gaza and the triumph of truth

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
19 December 2024 | 12:24 CAT
3-minute read

Image: BusinessLive/Fredlin Adrian

Reflections on 2024: Israel’s genocidal onslaught on Gaza

This year has been fraught with immense pain and unprecedented horror as Israel has continued its genocidal onslaught on the people of Palestine. The death toll has surpassed 45 000 with over 107 000 wounded in Gaza over 14 months.

Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, in an interview on Radio Islam International, discussed the attack on Gaza, describing it as the “biggest humanitarian crisis in decades”. While the genocide is reflective of inhumanity, injustice and oppression, it has played a major role in raising awareness about the historical occupation of Palestine, revealing the truth about Israel and galvanising activists around the world to stand up for what is right.

“At the same time, the greatest thing that has happened in this incident is that 76 years of lies have been exposed. Israel and Zionists and imperialists and America and Europe can’t hide the lies anymore in Gaza. Media outlets, social media, independent journalists, independent governments, political parties, youths, academics, universities, have stood up worldwide. And for the first time, the lie has been totally exposed,” Dr Sooliman said.

This onslaught on the people of Palestine symbolises the beginning of the end for Israel and the liberation of the sacred lands. “It’s not going to take another 76 years to liberate Gaza.  This war is freedom of Gaza,” Dr Imtiaz said.

“Their lies, the injustice, the murder, the oppression, the genocide, the killing, the occupation, the blockade of men, women and children from going to hospital. All that has been exposed,” he added.

The triumph of truth over falsehood aligns with the teachings of the Quran and represents a significant victory.

Unfounded allegations levelled at Dr Sooliman

Dr Sooliman, hailed as a global hero, has been at the forefront of global and local humanitarian efforts for decades and has come under attack for his open support for the vulnerable and destitute, particularly in Gaza.

Dr Sooliman said that the attacks on his credibility and the accusations that he is responsible for funding ‘terrorism’ are unsurprising and predictable.

“On the 19^th of October, I went full assault on the Israel and Zionists and explained who they are and what they do. And ever since then, I’ve been expecting to get attacked,” Dr Sooliman said.

In May 2024, the Helen Suzman Foundation faced criticism for selecting Dr Sooliman as speaker for its annual memorial lecture because of allegations levelled at him linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood’s Al Aqsa Foundation.

The accusations were unfounded- a weak and failed attempt to discredit a humanitarian at the forefront of providing relief to the world’s most vulnerable citizens. It is reflective of the Zionist’s weakening global influence.

“The message is, they’ve lost the plot. They’ve got nothing to stand on. They don’t know what to do. They’re faltering. They’re failing. Their power and influence is gone,” Dr Imtiaz pointed out.

The persistent attempts to discredit those who stand for justice have backfired, leading to a loss of credibility for the Zionists.

Zionists use fear to exert power over individuals and organisations through blackmail and extortion. According to Sooliman, the strongest weapon is courage and bravery, which have the power to break their control. South Africa’s case of genocide against Israel at the ICJ exemplifies this, Sooliman said.

Gift of the Givers’ work in Gaza and Syria

Dr Sooliman detailed ongoing efforts like renovating parts of Al-Shifa Hospital, setting up field hospitals, and upgrading desalination plants in Gaza. He emphasised the difficulty in providing aid due to blockades but stressed the resilience of the Gazan people and the organisation’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term support.

Looking forward, Dr Sooliman outlined plans for 2025, including a significant project aimed at providing prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation for amputees in Gaza, where he noted there is now the highest number of child amputees in the world.

He also touched upon the expansion of Gift of the Givers’ work in other regions like Syria, where the organisation has been operational since 2012. Here, they manage one of the largest hospitals in northern Syria, providing care to thousands monthly and supporting community rebuilding efforts.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobat.