- By Maheen Khan
CHANGING MIND BUILDING NARRATIVE
Cognitions Of HAMAS - Israel War
By Maheen Khan
The recent Hamas-Israel conflict has had a significant impact on global perceptions more than on the map. Have you heard of Abu Ubaydah, a mysterious hero revered by Muslim boys?
Creating a great impact on our youth and a leading image of HAMAS as well seeing reality shows between Islam and Zionism.
On the other hand, The world views GAZA through the lenses of numerous journalists, such as Wael Al-Dahdouh, Anas Al-Sharif, and Younis Tirawi. They capture the live genocide through the cameras of Motaz Azaiza, Plestia Al-aqad, Bisan Owda, and Yaser Murtaja.
Palestinian journalists offer a distinctive perspective on life in Gaza. Yet, the lingering question is: how much longer can they persist in their reporting?
Not only them but also our shining youth has to come in the ground to take a part for Palestine. Thousands of people in various countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Mauritania showed solidarity with Gaza and HAMAS through street demonstrations.
In London, more than 100,000 individuals gathered to support Gaza. Demonstrations were also held in Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Spain, and other European countries in solidarity with Palestinians and against the war. America’s support for Israel has been questioned, as Israel’s actions in the recent war have been condemned globally.
This awakening has been particularly evident among the youth, as seen in protests at Columbia University and other European universities. Universities in Pakistan are also joining the protests, including the University of Karachi, NED University, Bahria University, Punjab University, University of Gujrat, etc.
In September 2023, tensions between Israel and Hamas escalated, with The Washington Post reporting that both were on the brink of war. Five Palestinians were killed at the border, and thousands of families were affected by days of lockdown.
According to Reuters, in response, Hamas put its military wing, known as Shaheed Izadin Al-Qassam Brigadier or Kitaib al-Qassam, on high alert and conducted defensive military maneuvers. Egypt claimed to have warned Israel of an imminent large-scale attack, but Israel denied receiving such a warning.
On October 7, 2023, HAMAS and other Palestinian military organizations, including KATAIB-AL-BAHRIA, SIRAYA-AL-QUDS, and KATAIB-UL-JENIN, began rearming in the Gaza Strip, marking the first major attack on Israeli territory since the 1948 Arab Israeli War.
The attack was dubbed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” by the Palestinians and known in Israel as the “Black Week” or the “Yom Kippur Massacre”. According to a report by Al Jazeera, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched 3000 missiles into Israeli territory early in the morning. Paragliders also infiltrated Israel, resulting in significant casualties among the Jewish population.
Hamas dubbed this mission Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, attributing it to the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As a result, many Palestinians sacrifice their lives for the sake of their homeland and The Land of Prophets. Israel has not released any reports yet to conceal the failure of its intelligence (Mossad).
According to a report released by CSIC (Centre of Strategic International Studies),
“This attack has been considered the third major destructive attack in the Israel-Palestine conflict.”
On January 21, 2024, HAMAS released a report titled “Our Statement… Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” refuting Israel’s claims.
They stated that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was a necessary response to Israeli plans to exterminate Palestinian Muslims, seize lands, and implement projects on Palestinian territories. HAMAS emphasized the Israeli desire for complete control over Palestinian lands, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and sacred sites.
They highlighted that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is a crucial step towards lifting the siege on Gaza, freeing it from Israeli oppression, restoring national rights, achieving freedom. It is determining the fate of Palestinians and establishing a Palestinian state alongside Jerusalem.
Spokesperson Abu Ubaydah has condemned Israel’s actions in his speeches, resonating with the Muslim community, particularly the youth. His powerful voice has energized many, as evident on social media where support for Hamas is strong.
Israel’s brutal bombings in Gaza have claimed the lives of over 31,184 people, mostly women and children, sparking global outrage and solidarity with Palestinians. Protests worldwide have condemned Israel’s genocidal actions.
For the last eight months, Gaza has faced hunger, water scarcity, and urban bombardment with full support from Israel, America, and other Western powers. The United Nations reports that Israeli attacks have displaced 85% of Gaza’s population. Causing severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, and destroying 70% of the infrastructure. The impact on innocent children in Jab-Aliya, Rafah, Khan Yunus, and across Palestine is devastating.
The destruction of Gaza’s largest complex, Al-Shifa Hospital, known as The Massacre at Al-Shifa, and the social cemeteries there are glaring evidence. Over 1500 Palestinians have been reported killed, injured, or missing.
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a request with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to initiate proceedings against Israel for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, in connection with crimes against Palestinians in Gaza. South Africa claims that Israel is committing genocide.
Malaysia and Turkey have supported this appeal. It is important to note that the ICJ is different from the International Criminal Court (ICC), and only sovereign states are parties to the ICC. Israel is not part of the ICC. The ICJ is a United Nations institution, and Israel is a party to it. Previously, the Palestine issue was brought to the ICC, but South Africa is the first country to bring this case to the ICJ.
Israel has reportedly suffered significant losses in the recent Hamas attack, with nearly 1,200 Israelis killed. Hamas’s “Operation Al-Aqsa” marks a crucial moment in the history of the Palestinian resistance movement, challenging Israel’s perceived invincibility. The memory of this event will endure in Palestine. Inspiring continued efforts towards liberation from occupation.
