Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
3 February 2025 | 12:22 p.m. CAT
4-minute read

Gaza ceasefire holds while Israel’s attacks intensify in West Bank

Since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect, Israel has intensified its operations in the West Bank. A series of massive explosions rocked the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, with Israel claiming the attacks were military operations targeting “terrorist infrastructure”. Over 20 buildings were destroyed in the attack.

Netanyahu’s US visit raises concerns amid Gaza ceasefire talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in the United States for high-profile meetings, including a visit to the White House. This trip comes at a critical time, as further ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain in limbo, with Netanyahu delaying talks until after his meeting with former US President Donald Trump.

Political analysts see this visit as a direct snub to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Despite the ICC’s legal action, Netanyahu continues to receive diplomatic recognition from global powers, particularly the United States, Israel’s longstanding ally.

Netanyahu’s refusal to send a delegation to Qatar for the second phase of ceasefire negotiations has raised concerns about Israel’s commitment to the deal. This phase is crucial, as it involves the release of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, alongside Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. More significantly, it was meant to secure a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Senior officials have warned that Netanyahu’s postponement of these discussions until after his US visit suggests that he intends to renegotiate terms or even derail the agreement altogether. On his flight to the US, Netanyahu declared, “The decisions we’ve made in this war have already changed the face of the Middle East,” adding that working closely with Trump could “redraw it even further and for the better.”

Trump’s recent remarks about Jordan and Egypt absorbing Palestinian refugees have further fuelled speculation that broader territorial changes may be on the agenda. However, resistance from Palestinian factions and international condemnation make such plans difficult to implement.

Simultaneously, Jordan’s King Abdullah has accepted an invitation to the White House, with his visit expected later this month. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is positioning itself as a viable governing force in Gaza. In a meeting with Trump’s envoy in Riyadh, the PA indicated its willingness to take control of the enclave, even if it meant clashing with Hamas. Hamas, however, remains steadfast, dismissing these efforts and demonstrating its resilience through prisoner exchange deals that have reinforced its influence.

Notably, Netanyahu was accompanied on his trip by Dr Eyal Heller, his senior cardiologist. This detail has sparked speculation about the Israeli leader’s health, particularly following his prostate surgery and ongoing heart issues, highlighting the fragility behind his outward displays of political strength.

Amid the ongoing conflict, family members of Hamas military leader Mohammad Deif have publicly reflected on his legacy following his reported martyrdom. While Israel announced his death earlier, Hamas only confirmed it after the recent truce.

Deif’s widow revealed the family’s lifestyle, which included living with minimal possessions and being constantly on the move. His son Khalid recounted his father’s last words to him, emphasising the importance of memorising the Quran and continuing the struggle for liberation. His daughter Halima described Deif as a man who balanced the responsibilities of fatherhood with his commitment to resistance. His mother-in-law paid tribute, saying, “Even if I had a thousand daughters, I would marry all of them to Mohammad Deif, because he had the interests of the ummah and the Palestinian people at heart.”

As assessments continue during the ceasefire, reports reveal the scale of destruction inflicted upon Gaza’s religious sites. According to new statistics, 79% of the masajid in Gaza have been completely destroyed. Additionally, three churches have been demolished by Israeli strikes.

The loss is not just of structures but of religious leadership. At least 255 ulama (Islamic scholars) and imams have been killed, while 26 religious figures affiliated with the Awqaf Ministry have been detained. The destruction extends to cemeteries—32 out of Gaza’s 62 burial sites have been attacked, with 14 completely destroyed and 18 partially damaged.

The systematic targeting of religious and cultural landmarks is seen as an attempt to erase Gaza’s historical and spiritual identity. Rebuilding these sites will be crucial in preserving the resilience of the Palestinian people and their continued resistance.

Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.