Islam Times - Palestinian Resistance Persists in Gaza despite Aggression, Western Complicity

Islam Times - For the 114th consecutive day, the Palestinian resistance remains steadfast in the face of a Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip despite the killing machine launched against Gazans.

This sustained conflict has garnered attention due to a perceived tacit approval from the United States for Israeli actions, leading to a multitude of casualties among defenseless civilians in the besieged territory. Complicity from Western countries and select Arab regimes, coupled with the silence of those advocating for human rights, further intensifies the gravity of the situation.

Throughout the ongoing aggression, the Palestinian resistance has incurred daily losses, particularly since the commencement of the ground offensive in Gaza. These losses contribute to the erosion of the perceived strength of the opposing forces, as documented by the resistance fighters, showcasing the failure of the Israeli forces to make significant advances within the Strip.

Amidst these challenges, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, announced fierce clashes with occupation soldiers in Khan Younis, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

Simultaneously, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported targeting two Merkava tanks in the Al-Amal neighborhood, demonstrating their continued efforts to resist the Israeli forces. The Al-Qassam Brigades also announced success in downing various types of combat drones deployed in the skies above Gaza.

As the conflict persists, the Kiryati Reserve Brigade concluded its mission in Khan Yunis, according to the Occupation Army Radio. However, the absence of a comprehensive military plan for the occupation in Gaza leads to a reliance on force mobilization, making them susceptible to counterattacks.

The Al-Quds Brigades announced actions, including bombings of supply lines and clashes in the central Gaza Strip, further emphasizing the ongoing resistance efforts. Meanwhile, rockets continue to be launched from Gaza towards settlements like “Sderot” and “Niram.”

Despite Massacres…

On the 114th day of the conflict, the Zionist enemy army reported committing 19 new massacres within the last 24 hours, resulting in 165 deaths and 290 injuries. This brings the total number of martyrs in Gaza to 26,422 and 65,877 wounded, according to the Ministry of Health.

The conflict’s toll is not limited to casualties alone. Civilians in Gaza suffer from shortages of water, food, and decent living conditions exacerbated by the harsh weather. Israeli bombings continue to target homes and hospitals, resulting in additional casualties and injuries.
UNRWA warns of an impending famine in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation affecting more than two million people in the region.

In a tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residence west of the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the death and injury of two Palestinians. The devastating consequences of the attack were further underscored as one individual was declared a martyr, and four others sustained injuries, necessitating immediate medical attention at Nasser Hospital.

Al-Manar’s correspondent reported that 8 martyrs and a number of wounded were killed in an Israeli bombing on a house for the Salmi family in the Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City.

The gravity of the situation in Khan Younis was highlighted by the Al-Manar reporter on the ground, shedding light on the aftermath of the Israeli bombing that specifically targeted the Jourat Al-Aqqad area.

The continuing airstrikes and gunfire around Al-Amal Hospital were also reported, exacerbating the challenges faced by medical facilities in the region. The Palestinian Red Crescent sounded the alarm, revealing that the oxygen supply at Al-Amal Hospital had been depleted due to the prolonged siege imposed on the area.

Worryingly, the Israeli occupation army has intensified its bombing campaign in Khan Younis over the past few days, with a particular focus on hospitals and shelters for displaced people.

Despite Calls…

Politically, there is increasing pressure from the West to halt funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Nine countries, including Britain, the United States, and Canada, have suspended their funding, citing accusations against some UNRWA employees.

The agency’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the decision, stating it threatens humanitarian work in the region, particularly in Gaza.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued an appeal to donor countries, urging them to ensure the continuation of operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. This plea comes in response to the temporary suspension of funding by nine countries, casting a shadow over the agency’s crucial humanitarian work.

UNRWA’s lifesaving aid in Gaza threatened by donors recklessly suspending aid. UNRWA has rightly terminated the contracts of those alleged to violate our neutrality principle. Donors, do not starve children for the sins of a few individual aid workers. https://t.co/nUbeX2Iwrp

— Jan Egeland (@NRC_Egeland) January 28, 2024

Guterres addressed the situation in a statement, revealing the termination of service for nine out of twelve UNRWA employees implicated in the alleged attack on Israel on October 7. The Secretary-General emphasized that any UN employee involved in terrorist acts, including the aforementioned attack, would be held accountable, potentially facing criminal prosecution.

Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed concern over the dire conditions faced by the people of Gaza, describing their suffering as unimaginable horrors and deprivation. He stressed the importance of not abandoning the people of Gaza during such a critical time.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur concerned with Palestine, took a strong stance against the countries that suspended their funding for UNRWA. In a post on the “X” platform, Albanese argued that such actions amount to participating in “genocide” in the Gaza Strip.

She highlighted the timing of the funding suspension, occurring the day after the International Court of Justice rejected Israel’s demands to drop the “genocide” lawsuit filed against it by South Africa. Albanese accused these countries of punishing millions of Palestinians and violating their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide.

Former British Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned his country’s decision to join others in suspending funding for UNRWA, labelling it as “collective punishment.”
He criticized the British government for what he deemed as moral decadence toward the Palestinians, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach.