Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
23 October 2023 | 11:49 CAT
1-min read

In Dahaira, a Lebanese border village with “Israel”, Israeli artillery shelling smoke was pictured last Monday 16 October 2023.
Picture: AP News

The recent escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, with countries expressing varying degrees of support for the Palestinian cause. Political analyst Professor Mohammad Marandi discussed the prevailing sentiments and potential regional involvement in an interview with Radio Islam International.

Speaking on the current mood in the region, Professor Marandi highlighted the sustained outrage across different countries. He noted, “People in Iran are looking at these scenes in horror, and I think that’s probably the case across the region.” While governments such as Iran, Syria, and Yemen’s Sana’a firmly back Hamas and its allies, others like Turkey and Saudi Arabia maintain a more ambivalent stance, even as their populations rally behind the Palestinian people.

Addressing the potential for Lebanon and Iran’s direct military involvement, Professor Marandi stressed the likelihood of an expanded conflict should Gaza face the threat of falling. He highlighted Hezbollah’s active role in the conflict, forcing Israel to divert its attention from Gaza through strategic strikes in the north. Emphasising the support for Palestine, he underlined the significant sacrifices made by Iran and its allies, urging critics to direct their scrutiny towards governments maintaining ties with the Israeli regime.

Regarding the looming possibility of an Israeli ground operation in Gaza, Professor Marandi emphasised the regime’s apprehension, citing Gaza’s extensive preparations defence capabilities. He warned, “The Israeli regime is very fearful of a ground invasion.”

Moreover, Professor Marandi underscored the role of Western complicity in enabling the Israeli regime’s actions, emphasising the significant military aid and support from Western powers that sustain Israel. He criticised the West’s hypocritical stance, accusing it of enabling a genocide while portraying itself as a moral authority.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.