Sameera Casmod |sameerac@radioislam.co.za
18 September 2023 | 11:09am SAST
2-min read

In this week’s edition of the Palestine Report on Radio Islam International, Moulana Ebrahim Moosa discussed the escalating violence and aggression at Masjid al-Aqsa. In addition, an article published by the Daily Maverick, and the reported shipment of armed vehicles and weapons to the Palestinian Authority by the United States were covered.

Recently, violent assaults were launched on Muslims at Masjid al-Aqsa. The turmoil occurred amidst the commencement of a lengthy Jewish holiday season, spanning approximately 22 days. During this period, tensions have flared, and the temple movement, backed by Israeli security forces, has seized opportunities to increase aggression on Masjid al-Aqsa. Scenes of elderly worshipers being forcibly removed and injured, along with settlers invading the masjid and blowing the shofar horn, have painted a grim picture of the situation.

Moreover, it was noted that the Masjid was largely empty during these incursions, indicating a level of success by the occupation in restricting access for Muslim worshipers in favour of Jewish settlers.

The interview also covered the controversy sparked by an article written by Alexander O’Riordan in the Daily Maverick. Riordan’s article, titled “Terrorism in Israel has a new face and it is not what it used to be,” has stirred the pot by categorising settlers as terrorists and linking their recruitment to South African Jewish institutions. While some aspects of the article drew criticism, its portrayal of settlers as terrorists and the connections made to South African Jewish communities have raised concerns amongst Zionist organisations in South Africa.

Notably, O’Riordan highlighted the shift in recruiting settlers from university campuses to religious institutions, naming specific youth movements and the community security organisation. This depiction elicited strong reactions from Zionist organisations in South Africa, who vehemently denied the allegations and criticised the article’s publication.

The interview also shed light on reports that the Palestinian Authority received a shipment of armed vehicles and weapons from the United States. This delivery, facilitated by Jordan, raised concerns about the PA’s intentions. Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas reportedly directed security forces to quash Palestinian resistance groups in the northern West Bank, a move that has been met with scepticism.

The shipment, which included armoured vehicles and Kalashnikov submachine guns, underscores the ongoing complexities and controversies stemming from the Oslo Accords. The Palestinian Authority, originally conceived to represent Palestinian interests, is now seen by some as protecting the occupiers and their colonial settlers.

Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.