The creation of Israel remains deeply controversial and a subject of ongoing debate. Critics argue that Israel’s establishment involved the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, resulting in their status as refugees. This tragic event, known as the Nakba, is a deeply emotional and charged aspect of Palestinian history. The legitimacy of Israel’s creation remains a contentious issue in international politics. Many Arab states and some other nations do not recognize Israel’s right to exist and advocate for the rights of Palestinian refugees and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The establishment of Israel in 1948 is a topic of contention marked by complex political, ideological, and social factors. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is firmly rooted in this history, with disputes over borders, refugees, and sovereignty remaining at the heart of the struggle. Achieving a lasting peace in the region continues to be a challenging and unresolved endeavor, as the legacy of Israel’s creation casts a long shadow over the Middle East. Understanding the complexities of the modern conflict requires an acknowledgment of the historical context and the diverse perspectives surrounding the issue.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, situated at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, holds a position of deep reverence and importance for Muslims worldwide. Alongside the Dome of the Rock, this historic mosque carries profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance within the Muslim community. It transcends being merely a place of worship; it is widely regarded as the third holiest site in Islam, following Mecca and Medina. In Islamic tradition, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is believed to be the location from which the Prophet Muhammad embarked on his miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) to the heavens, where he encountered other prophets and received divine revelations. This event is commemorated annually by Muslims during the holiday of Isra and Mi’raj.
For over a millennium, the Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a living testament to the rich heritage of Islam. It has served as a hub for worship and scholarly pursuits, attracting theologians, scholars, and students from all corners of the Muslim world. The mosque has played a pivotal role in shaping Islamic jurisprudence and theology, making it a cherished symbol of Islam’s intellectual and spiritual legacy. Throughout its long history, the Al-Aqsa Mosque has faced a series of challenges and periods of strife, including foreign invasions, occupations, and attempts to alter its religious and architectural character. Its enduring presence in Jerusalem symbolizes the resilience of the Palestinian people and the unwavering strength of their faith. For Muslims worldwide, Al-Aqsa serves as a symbol of determination and resistance in the face of adversity.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque finds itself in a region marked by a complex web of political and religious tensions. The status of Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, has been a source of contention between Israelis and Palestinians for decades. This issue is not just a political matter but a profoundly emotional and spiritual one for Muslims who consider the mosque a vital part of their religious heritage. Given the historical, spiritual, and cultural significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the preservation of this sacred site is of paramount importance to Muslims around the world. They deeply value its continued existence as a place of worship, reflection, and connection to their faith.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as a symbol of faith, heritage, and aspiration for Muslims. Its significance transcends the physical structure, representing a deep connection to Islamic history and a testament to the enduring faith of those who hold it dear. The importance of preserving this sacred site, as well as achieving a just and lasting resolution for its status within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is crucial for the global Muslim community. Muslims worldwide continue to hope and pray for a future where Al-Aqsa remains an accessible place of worship and reflection for generations to come.
Hamas, which stands for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), is a Palestinian political organization that has played a substantial role in the intricate and enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Established in 1987, Hamas has evolved over the years into a multifaceted movement encompassing political, military, social, and religious elements. Its emergence took place during the late 1980s in the midst of the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It was born as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine and aimed to offer an alternative to the secular nationalist movement led by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the time. The organization’s founding charter, which remains in effect, underscores its Islamist principles and opposition to the existence of Israel. Hamas’s early activities were marked by armed resistance against Israeli forces and civilian targets, employing tactics such as suicide bombings, shootings, and rocket attacks. These actions garnered international attention and resulted in significant loss of life and suffering on both sides of the conflict. In addition to its military endeavors, Hamas also engaged in social and welfare programs, providing essential services to Palestinian communities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These efforts helped Hamas build support among the population, especially in light of perceived corruption within the Palestinian Authority.
In 2006, Hamas took part in the Palestinian legislative elections and secured a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. This electoral victory triggered a crisis between Hamas and Fatah, the dominant faction within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Consequently, the Gaza Strip came under the control of Hamas, while the West Bank remained under Fatah’s authority, resulting in a division of Palestinian governance. Hamas established its own administration in Gaza, which has been characterized by a combination of control, provision of social services, and ongoing conflicts with Israel. The group faced numerous challenges, including isolation, a blockade, and military confrontations, all of which have significantly impacted the living conditions of Gaza’s residents. Over time, Hamas adapted its strategies and adjusted its alliances. It occasionally engaged in ceasefires with Israel and sought to present a more pragmatic and moderate image to the international community. It received support from various countries, including Iran and Qatar, although the nature of these alliances evolved over the years. Hamas’s history is closely intertwined with the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict, positioning it as a pro-Palestinian cause organization. Its tactics, objectives, and governance have received appreciation from Muslims, both regionally and globally. It is noteworthy that most Palestinians express support for Hamas.
The future role of Hamas in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains uncertain. It is evident that any prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict will necessitate addressing the concerns and aspirations of all Palestinian factions and their constituents. The history of Hamas reflects the persistent complexities of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and statehood, as well as the challenges of reconciling political, military, and religious objectives in a protracted and deeply entrenched conflict.
More recently, the world has witnessed a devastating war between Israel and Hamas, resulting in a high number of Palestinian casualties, injuries, and extensive damage to infrastructure due to Israeli airstrikes. Recent brutal bombardment on a hospital took thousands innocent lives. Israel’s actions, including the cutoff of food, water, medicines, and fuel supplies to Palestine, have put the well-being of the Palestinian population at great risk. Local journalists report that there are no safe areas in Gaza due to the intensity of Israeli aggression, making it extremely challenging for doctors and emergency workers to provide assistance.
Media reports indicate that the air in Gaza is thick with smoke from heavy Israeli bombardment, causing breathing difficulties for the residents. As a result, citizens are compelled to keep their windows and doors closed during the ongoing bombardment, which has led to fires breaking out in many buildings. Unfortunately, the lack of available firefighters exacerbates the situation.
Doctors Without Borders, an international medical charity organization, has expressed deep concern about the dire situation in Gaza. They report that the hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, experiencing a severe shortage of essential medicines, as well as enduring problems like power outages and dwindling medical supplies. The head of mission in Palestine for the organization describes the situation as grave, with all hospitals at full capacity and medical teams struggling to provide assistance to the injured. The ongoing intense Israeli bombings have left buildings destroyed, and the Israeli government has suspended the electricity and water supply in the area, while the mobile signal system has also been severely affected.
The head of mission emphasizes the shocking level of Israeli aggression and bombardment in Gaza, leading to a surge in casualties. He underscores the urgent need for the war to cease, as the current situation is nothing short of a humanitarian crisis, depriving the population of basic necessities by suspending water, electricity, and fuel supplies.
Pakistan has very clear stance on Palestine issue. Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the “occupation, oppression and violence in Palestine.” Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s sixth committee meeting in New York, Second Secretary at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN Rabia Ijaz said the rapidly deteriorating and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza due to the indiscriminate air attacks and an inhumane blockade of food, fuel and medicines, as collective punishment of the entire Palestinian population by Israeli Occupation forces are unacceptable. These actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. She said the current cycle of aggression and violence is a sad reminder and a direct consequence of over seven decades of illegal Israeli occupation, aggression, and disrespect for international law, including UNSC resolutions that recognize the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Ms Ijaz said the international community must work together for a just, comprehensive and lasting two-state solution with a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The top military brass also expressed deep concern about the adverse developments taking place in the Gaza-Israel conflict and the enormous human cost being imposed on innocent civilians due to the disproportionate use of force by Israel. The concern was expressed during the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, where Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir extended “diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation” to the principled stance of Palestinians, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He commended the efforts of Palestinians, whom he referred to as brothers who were enduring resolution of the long-standing issue in the face of unlawful occupation of their territories and Muslims’ sacred places. Pakistan Army and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sent the first batch of aid to the oppressed Palestinians. The first shipment of aid to Gaza was sent from Islamabad via Egypt. The relief supplies include 1,000 tents, 4,000 blankets and 3 tons of medicine. Due to the shipment sent by Pakistan, the victims of Gaza will get immediate relief. Pakistan stands with the Palestinians in this difficult time and will continue to support them. A few days ago, Army Chief General Asim Munir said in his address to the 260th Corps Commanders Conference that the Palestinian people have the full diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation. The Army Chief said that he is with the Palestinians for a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and to end the illegal occupation, and will continue to support the Palestinians to end the illegal occupation of the holy places. The Corps Commanders’ Conference participants expressed concern over the Gaza-Israel war and the loss of innocent civilian lives by Israel’s use of force. It should be noted that many Muslim countries have sent aid to the Palestinians, which will reach Gaza via Egypt, but Egypt is not allowing the goods to be taken to Gaza, while thousands of Palestinians urgently need it.
Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar said in a Tweet that “Heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East, which underscores the urgent need to address the Palestine Question. We urge restraint and protection of civilians. Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart.”
President Dr Arif Alvi in a statement urged the international community to work for a “long-standing peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and international law”. President Alvi advised exercising maximum restraint to prevent further bloodshed and loss of human life, saying: “I am very concerned about the escalation of tensions between Palestine and Israel.” Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Alvi said, “The conflict between Palestine and Israel will further increase the hardships of the people.” Voicing concerns over the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Middle East, Pakistan called for exercising maximum restraint, urging the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and pursuit of a lasting peace in the region.
“We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed concerned about the “human cost of escalating situation” in the region, saying that Pakistan’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent, advocating for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the region. Mumtaz emphasized the importance of a “just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) resolutions”.
The situation in Palestine is deteriorating with each passing day. Human Rights Watch has also documented the use of white phosphorus bombs by Israel in different areas of Gaza and Lebanon. White phosphorus bombs are classified as chemical weapons, causing extensive destruction. Human Rights Watch confirmed the use of these munitions after reviewing video evidence of attacks in both Lebanon and Gaza. White phosphorus inflicts severe burns on the body, including damage to muscles and bones. Even after treatment, if white phosphorus particles are not removed, exposure to oxygen can exacerbate wound damage. Medical experts have noted that just a 10% burn from white phosphorus can be fatal, and its usage leads to respiratory system impairment and the cessation of organ functions. Survivors of white phosphorus injuries often suffer from lasting issues, including permanent muscle damage and damage to other bodily tissues. Additionally, the psychological trauma resulting from such an attack, traumatic medical treatment, and disfiguring injuries can have adverse effects on mental health. Fires ignited by white phosphorus destroy urban infrastructure, harm crops, and prove lethal to livestock. In cases where access to medical facilities for affected individuals is limited, the loss of life can be substantial.
While international law allows for the use of white phosphorus in war zones, the United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons prohibits its use near civilian populations. It’s worth noting that Israel is not a signatory to this convention. Israel has previously employed white phosphorus-based weapons in the Gaza Strip in 2008. At that time, the Israeli army claimed that these weapons were used solely for smoke dispersal, but the result was a significant loss of civilian lives and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
Readers, Pakistan extends unwavering support to the Palestinian cause and demands an immediate cessation of the blockade and bombardment of Gaza. Pakistan firmly advocates for the establishment of a viable, sovereign, and geographically connected State of Palestine, based on the borders that existed before 1967, with Al Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital. This position is in accordance with the international community’s endeavors to find a peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict. Pakistan emphasizes the need for the global community to unite in supporting the cessation of hostilities, safeguarding civilian lives, and pursuing a lasting peace in the Middle East. This call for immediate action underscores Pakistan’s dedication to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is imperative for the United Nations and the world at large to step forward and work collaboratively to address this crisis, taking concrete and unanimous actions to preserve humanity.