Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
23 October 2023 | 09:12 CAT
2-min read

Israeli airstrike gutted a home in Rafah, southern Gaza on 22 October 2023. Airstrikes on Gaza have been ongoing for hours without interruption.
Picture: eye.on.palestine

The assault on Gaza has reached a harrowing milestone, marking its 16th day with no signs of abating. In the Palestine Report on Radio Islam International, Moulana Ebrahim Moosa reported that the relentless aggression has resulted in staggering casualties, with the Palestinian death toll exceeding 4 600, including a distressing count of approximately 2 000 Palestinian children. In contrast, Israeli casualties stand at around 1 400, underlining the disproportionate impact of the ongoing conflict on the Palestinian population.

Amidst the relentless bombardment, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached a critical point, with half of its residential units demolished and 70% of the population internally displaced. The meagre aid trickling in is insufficient to address the pressing needs, exacerbated by the destruction of crucial infrastructures such as bakeries and hospitals. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 24 massacres in 24 hours, painting a grim picture of the ongoing brutality.

Furthermore, the interview elucidated the underlying motivations driving the relentless bombing campaigns. Speculation suggests that the American-approved plan gives Israel a free hand to continue its airstrikes, causing further devastation while only a fraction of the aid required reaches the embattled region.

In terms of ground assault, reports indicate the possibility of a strategic retreat by Israeli forces, prompted by external pressures and fears of potential consequences. While the rhetoric of a full-scale ground invasion lingers, the true intentions may revolve around establishing command bases in strategic areas to impede the Palestinian resistance’s activities.

As the situation escalates, neighbouring Egypt finds itself navigating a delicate balance. The populace’s frustrations regarding the Palestinian conflict are serving as a conduit to address internal grievances, potentially leading to significant domestic upheaval. Egypt’s role in the siege, the closure of tunnels, and potential ramifications of accepting Palestinian refugees are all factors in play as the nation attempts to manage the crisis.

Khaled Mashal’s perspective, as the former leader of the Political Bureau of Hamas and the current head of Hamas in the diaspora, emphasises the resistance’s cause, framing their actions within the context of legitimate defence. While dismissing accusations of targeting civilians, he stresses the inevitability of sacrifices in the pursuit of liberation.

International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and the Dutch Prime Minister, are preparing to visit the region, highlighting the growing global concern over the escalating violence. However, as the death toll rises and the humanitarian crisis deepens, urgent actions remain imperative to prevent further bloodshed and loss of innocent lives.

It is imperative for the Muslim Ummah to engage in acts of ibadah such as salaah, zhikr and fervent dua.

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَ كِيلُ

اَللّٰهُمَّ إنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِيْ نُحُوْرِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ

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