Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
29 July 2025 | 15:00 CAT

📸 Starving for Survival: Palestinian children wait in line with empty pots in front of a destroyed building in Gaza as famine deepens under siege. Photo: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images

As global leaders gather at the United Nations for renewed talks on the Palestinian statehood question, experts warn that despite diplomatic fanfare, little tangible relief is expected for the besieged people of Gaza.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Naeem Jeenah of the Media Review Network (MRN) offered a sobering analysis of the upcoming UN discussions. “Realistic expectations? Very low,” he said, referring to the much-publicised summit that aims to revive the two-state solution. “More than 140 of the 163 UN member states already recognise Palestine. We’ve had numerous UN resolutions in favour of a two-state solution, it’s made no difference whatsoever.”

Jeenah was particularly critical of the conference’s thematic focus, arguing that it places disproportionate emphasis on Israeli security while ignoring Palestinian suffering. “One of the four themes is about guaranteeing security for Israel, but not a word about the security of Palestinians. Who needs security right now? Two million people in Gaza who are being slaughtered.”

With Gaza under what he termed an “imposed famine,” Jeenah lamented the absence of decisive action. “For months, people have been deliberately starved. The UN says trucks are waiting at the border with enough aid for three months, but they’re not allowed in. Meanwhile, Israel destroys thousands of aid parcels claiming they’ve spoiled in the sun.”

The solution, he suggests, is not more resolutions, but real-world action. “These are not weak countries,” he said of the conference hosts. “They have armies, wealth. Imagine if France and Saudi Arabia sent their navies to deliver aid directly to Gaza. Not handbags, but real supplies. South Africa could send Gift of the Givers on board those ships.”

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, previously called for South Africa to return to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to push for a binding ruling compelling Israel to allow humanitarian aid. Jeenah echoed this, noting, “Even if Israel doesn’t comply, it maintains international pressure.”

While global powers issue statements of concern, Jeenah remains sceptical. “They’ll pat themselves on the back, but achieve nothing for two million starving people,” he said.

The urgency on the ground remains clear, Gaza cannot survive on promises.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Naeem Jeenah.