4 March 2025 | 12:17 p.m. CAT
2-minute read

Ceasefire violations and Israeli military actions under scrutiny

During this week’s Palestine Report on Radio Islam International, Moulana Ebrahim Moossa provided an in-depth analysis of the ongoing situation in Palestine, particularly concerning the fragile ceasefire agreement and recent military developments.

The ceasefire agreement, originally structured in three phases, has come under heavy criticism as Israel continues to violate its terms. Israel has repeatedly subverted the agreement under the guise of international law, with reports of over 960 ceasefire violations. These infractions have included restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, targeting civilians, and preventing essential medical supplies and professionals from entering the region.

Moulana Moosa highlighted a significant development—the abrupt cessation of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have continued to engage in violent acts despite the ceasefire, resulting in casualties. Additionally, the initial phase of the agreement required sincere negotiations for a transition into the second phase, which would have been crucial for ending hostilities. However, Israel has failed to participate in these discussions, effectively stalling any progress toward a long-term resolution.

Another key issue discussed was the rejection of a proposed “Ramadan ceasefire.” Moulana Moosa clarified that Hamas did not reject the ceasefire extension, as was falsely reported by some Western media outlets. Instead, the US envoy’s proposal merely sought to prolong the humanitarian provisions of the initial agreement without addressing the broader need for a permanent ceasefire. This move was perceived as an attempt to ensure Israeli interests without meaningful concessions.

In a related development, an official Israeli military report has acknowledged failures during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The report states that Israeli intelligence had underestimated Hamas’ capabilities, leading to a lack of preparedness on the day of the attack. According to the findings, Hamas had mobilised 5 000 fighters, overwhelming the mere 767 Israeli soldiers stationed along the Gaza border. The Israeli military admitted that their Gaza division was “defeated” for approximately 10 hours during the assault, with Hamas forces gaining control over multiple Israeli settlements.

Additionally, a large-scale looting operation conducted by Israeli soldiers has been exposed. Reports suggest that both private and state properties were ransacked, with soldiers allegedly bringing back $28 million in cash, gold bars, luxury jewellery, and 183 000 weapons. It has been revealed that certain Israeli military units were specifically assigned to loot valuables, while individual soldiers engaged in independent acts of theft. The looted assets are now stored in undisclosed locations across Israel.

As tensions remain high, the families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza have voiced frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Many believe his refusal to negotiate is a political manoeuvre aimed at maintaining his grip on power rather than securing the safe return of detainees.

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