Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
26 October 2023 | 11:51 CAT
2-min read

Picture: Instagram (@cravingpalestine)

In an agonising interview on Radio Islam International, Brother Ihab Jallad, a resident of Jerusalem, discussed the continuous turmoil faced by the Palestinian community, drawing attention to the persistent challenges experienced in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Brother Jallad described the distressing reality within the West Bank, where an estimated 500 000 to 700 000 armed Jewish settlers have been causing unrest within Palestinian localities, with the support of the authorities. He described how the war on Gaza has emboldened these settlers, resulting in frequent attacks and invasions on Palestinian villages, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

Highlighting the severe restrictions imposed in Jerusalem, Brother Jallad shared the plight of his community, facing constant surveillance and scrutiny from the authorities. He detailed the harsh measures imposed on individuals, including excessive fines and limitations on movement, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among the populace.

“I saw a kind of request from some Jewish Orthodox or some extreme Jews that are asking that the prisoner cost like $20 000 a year for the State of Israel, while the bullet is only like a quarter dollar. So, they prefer to use a bullet than holding a prisoner for a year,” Jallad said.

Brother Jallad explained that they are too afraid to send their children to school, because policemen have been known to board the bus and beat the school passengers.

Furthermore, Brother Jallad brought attention to the dire situation at Masjid Al-Aqsa, emphasising the challenges faced by Palestinians attempting to access the site. He recounted personal experiences of being barred from the masjid. Jallad is a historical researcher and tour guide at the Masjid Al-Aqsa.

“So, the situation in Masjid Al-Aqsa is terrible; the workers of Masjid Al-Aqsa are not allowed to go inside and to pray and within the whole city there are no visitors, there are no shoopers, customers, so most of the shops are closed, the people are afraid to go there,” Brother Jallad explained. Reports of unfair arrests and physical aggression cause this terror, he said.

The interview also covered the issue of Palestinian prisoners, with Brother Jallad expressing grave concerns over their treatment under the current circumstances. He raised alarm over the transfer of prison control to the military, describing how the absence of oversight has led to reports of severe abuse and mistreatment of detainees.

Brother Jallad’s words underscored the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the human rights violations faced by Palestinians in the region.

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَ كِيلُ

اَللّٰهُمَّ إنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِيْ نُحُوْرِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.