Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
18 December 2023 | 12:32 p.m. CAT
3-min read
In this week’s edition of the Palestine Report, Moulana Ebrahim Moosa discussed the grim reality of the ongoing assault on Gaza.
The most recent reported Israeli attack on the Jabalia refugee camp has killed over 100 Palestinians.
Moulana Moosa began by recounting the recent escalation, reporting over 100 Palestinians killed in the latest Israeli attack on the Jabalia refugee camp.
Meanwhile, the Al-Qassam and Al-Quds Brigades report on the operations of the Islamic Resistance against the Israeli occupation on the Lebanese-Palestinian border on 12 December 2023, indicating several Israeli casualties.
Earlier last week, Abu Ubaidah of the Al-Qassam Brigades also said that the Israeli enemy is using mercenaries in its operations. This raises questions about potential involvement, either by American soldiers or other mercenaries, Moulana Moosa said.
Moreover, the disruption in major shipping operations through the Red Sea due to the conflict’s fallout was discussed. Shipping companies, including a French firm and the third-largest shipping company globally, CMA CGM, have halted operations. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping group, also announced they were suspending operation in the Red Sea until further notice. In addition, Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, as well as the German company Hapag-Lloyd have also suspended Red Sea transits. Reports indicate that oil prices are rising after attacks in the Red Sea.
“And you’ve got now the Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority saying that they are also monitoring the effect that this could have on the operations in the Suez Canal,” Moulana Moosa reported. Since November the 19th, 55 international ships have been rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope.
Moulana Moosa noted, “And we have a discussion happening once again for whatever it’s worth, in the United Nations Security Council set to happen today, of another resolution calling for, quote, an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza.”
Moulana Moosa discussed the discussions on a new ceasefire, emphasising the early stages of negotiations. Reports indicate preconditions set by Egypt and Qatar, calling for increased aid to Gaza and reopening closed crossings due to widespread starvation.
However, conflicting reports have emerged, indicating varying Hamas demands, from a complete ceasefire to determining the release of Israeli prisoners of war without Israeli input. The Israeli side, represented by the head of Mossad and Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressed openness to significant prisoner exchanges, potentially signalling a shift in their approach.
“We now have Netanyahu himself saying that they are considering the release of very senior prisoners in any upcoming deal with the Palestinian resistance. And in this light, we have the curious movement over the past day of Marwan Barghouti,” Moulana Moosa said. Barghouti is a high ranking Fatah member who has been imprisoned since the second intifada. He was transferred from the OFA prison to solitary confinement in the Ramon prison. The movement could be part of the new agreement discussions.
Moulana Moosa said that this reflects the military success of Hamas on the ground, as well as the fact that Israel is in a position of excessive weakness. This is reinforced by the high number of Israeli casualties, as well as Israel’s killing of three of its own prisoners of war in the Gaza Strip.
The interview pointed out the impending visit of US Secretary of War Lloyd Austin to discuss a new phase in the war in Gaza. Reports suggest a strategy involving small groups of elite Israeli forces conducting precise intelligence attacks to root out Hamas leaders, rescue captives, and destroy tunnels.
Moulana Moosa emphasised the need to view ceasefire discussions in conjunction with potential strategic shifts by the Israelis, possibly using negotiations as a smokescreen for advancing their military objectives.
Moulana Moosa highlighted the tragic death of Al-Jazeera photojournalist Samer Abu Dhaqa, left to bleed for over five hours after an Israeli strike. Moulana Moosa underscored the broader concern for the safety of journalists, 90 of whom have been killed by Israeli forces since October 7th. Moulana Moosa voiced a plea to raise awareness and speak up for those risking their lives to report from Gaza resonated as a poignant reminder of the human toll in the conflict.
Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobat.
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