Tag Archives: conflict in Gaza

Politics, Regional

US vows to support Gaza ceasefire, warns Hamas of ‘eradication’

Jones Gadama

GAZA-(MaraviPost)-US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Israel, reiterating the US commitment to supporting a Gaza ceasefire while warning Hamas that they will face severe consequences if they fail to comply with the agreement. Speaking in Jerusalem, Vance emphasized that the terms of the 20-point plan are clear: Hamas must disarm.

“If Hamas doesn’t cooperate, then, as the President of the United States has said, Hamas is going to be obliterated,” Vance stated.

However, he declined to set an explicit deadline for compliance, citing the complexity and unpredictability of the situation.

The US is working to establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to police Gaza, disarm Hamas, and clear the Strip of all weapons and ammunition. Vance suggested that Gulf Arab forces, with Egypt taking the lead, would likely play a key role in this effort.

Indonesia has offered to send 20,000 troops to participate in the ISF, with other Muslim countries expected to contribute as well.

Notably, the US has ruled out deploying American boots on the ground in Gaza.

“There are not going to be American boots on the ground in Gaza,” Vance said, echoing President Donald Trump’s stance.

The ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of breaches.

Vance’s visit aims to advance the Gaza talks to the second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve more difficult steps, including Hamas’ disarmament.

President Trump has warned that if Hamas doesn’t comply, the group will face severe consequences, tweeting that their end would be “FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL!”

Human Rights, Regional

Malawians challenged to break silence on Gaza

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Humanitarian leaders have urged Malawians to break the culture of silence on global crises by equipping themselves with facts and challenging misinformation about the Gaza conflict.

Speaking at a media engagement in Blantyre on Tuesday,Sherifa Mia Malawi Country Manager for Gift of the Givers, said ignorance is one of the biggest obstacles to justice.

“Many Malawians don’t know what is happening in Gaza and assume it doesn’t affect us. But injustice anywhere affects everyone. Today it’s Gaza; tomorrow it could be Malawi,” she warned.

Mia noted that propaganda dominates many international narratives, making it essential for Malawians to question and verify information. She cited the killing of over 200 journalists in Gaza as evidence of attempts to silence the truth.

“We should not swallow propaganda blindly. We must educate ourselves so we can speak honestly when asked,” she said.

Gift of the Givers has operated in Gaza since 2002 and has seen the cost of the conflict first hand.

Mia recounted the killing of Ahmed, their Gaza office head, alongside his father and brother, and another staff member who lost more than 100 family members.

Palestine Solidarity Movement’s Asabuni Phiri challenged local media to provide balanced coverage rather than relying on foreign narratives.

“For too long, we’ve let others tell our stories. It’s time Malawian journalists rely on first-hand accounts and report the reality,” he said.

UK neurosurgeon and humanitarian Ismail Ughratdar described the crisis as “horrific” and called for factual, unbiased reporting.

“We’re not asking you to choose sides; we’re asking you to stand with the truth,” he said.

Speakers highlighted that the roots of the Gaza conflict date back to 1948, with the displacement of Palestinians, and warned that children remain the most vulnerable victims.

Health, Lifestyle

Malawi to hear “Heart-wrenching stories from Gaza’s frontline hospitals”

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Blantyre and Lilongwe are preparing to host a moving presentation by British neurosurgeon Dr. Ismail Ughratdar, who recently returned from Gaza, where he witnessed the devastating impact of conflict on hospitals and civilians.

Titled, “Inside Gaza’s Hospitals: A Surgeon’s Reflections,” the event will give Malawians an unprecedented look into the day-to-day realities of doctors treating war victims under extreme conditions.

From performing life-saving surgeries with limited resources to confronting heartbreaking stories of injured children and families torn apart by violence, Dr. Ughratdar’s reflections promise to be both eye-opening and deeply human.

The first session will take place in Blantyre on 26th August at Amaryllis Hotel, followed by Lilongwe on 27th August at Crossroads, both starting at 8:00 PM. Organizers have arranged separate seating for ladies to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Speaking with MaraviPost publication Asabuni Phiri National Coordinator for Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement,said the event sponsored by Ashraful Aid, the Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement, and Midland International Aid Trust (UK), the events provide a rare opportunity for local audiences to hear directly from someone who has seen the human toll of war beyond headlines and news reports.

Dr. Ughratdar will also discuss the resilience of Gaza’s medical staff and patients, highlighting stories of courage, compassion, and determination that persist even in the darkest circumstances.

The sessions will include a Q&A segment, allowing attendees to engage with him on the complexities of medical care in crisis zones and the broader humanitarian challenges faced in conflict areas.

This presentation aims not only to inform but also to inspire empathy and action, encouraging Malawians to think about global humanitarian issues and the role of medical aid in conflict-affected regions.

Human Rights, Regional

Massive rallies across Israel demand release of hostages held in Gaza

Jones Gadama

JERUSALEM-(MaraviPost)-Hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Sunday night to cap off a nationwide day of protests on behalf of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The demonstration, one of the largest since the war began, saw protesters rallying against the planned offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which aims to take over the entire enclave.

Estimates of the exact crowd size varied, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum claiming approximately 400,000 participants.

The protests temporarily blocked most major highways and junctions across Israel, with demonstrations taking place in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheva, and several smaller cities.

By the day’s end, police said they had arrested at least 44 people for blocking roads and clashing with police officers trying to remove the blockades.

During the rally, a video was shown of several released hostages appealing directly to U.S. President Donald Trump, pleading with him to help end the war and secure the hostages’ return.

The footage reportedly impressed US officials, who sent photos to Trump, with one official saying “Wow” upon viewing images of the demonstration.

Other officials requested more footage to “clearly see the scale of Israeli mobilization” during the protests against the planned Gaza offensive.

However, an Israeli official expressed skepticism regarding the impact of the demonstrations, echoing earlier comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were benefiting Hamas. “Will demonstrations free the hostages? Sadly not.

Let them demonstrate against Hamas. We already agreed to a deal, but Hamas dragged its feet after seeing how international campaigns worked in its favor.

We will turn over every stone to bring the hostages home, and we are applying military pressure on Hamas,” the official said.

The protests highlighted the internal differences of opinion within Israel, with the fathers of two hostages standing on opposite sides.

Ofir Braslavski, the father of hostage Rom Braslavski, addressed the Tel Aviv crowd, lamenting that the cabinet was watching his son waste away with nothing being done to help him.

“The entire country saw, all of the leaders saw, but the cabinet chose to expand the war and abandon them,” Braslavski said, adding that,”My Rom has no time, the hostages have no time.”

In contrast, Avishai David, the father of hostage Evyatar David, opposed the nationwide protest day, arguing that its real aim was to topple the right-wing government.

He forbade demonstrators from using images of his emaciated son, saying, “Some of the families do not want this conduct.

The hidden and declared goal is, first of all, to topple the government and its leader.” David added that the strike was “so wrong” and that he didn’t know who it helped.

The protests drew criticism from some ministers and lawmakers, with Prime Minister Netanyahu sharply criticizing the protesters.

“Those calling today to end the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas’s stance and delaying the return of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of October will repeat themselves and that we will have to fight an endless war,” Netanyahu said.

Despite the criticism, the protests demonstrated the widespread concern among Israelis about the fate of the hostages. Former hostages, current hostages’ families, and bereaved families spoke at rallies throughout the morning, emphasizing the need for a deal to secure the hostages’ release.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot visited “Hostage Square” to meet with relatives of the captives, showing solidarity with the families.

The protests are ongoing, with plans underway to set up a protest encampment along the Gaza border fence to continue advocating for the hostages’ release.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the families of the hostages and the Israeli public will not give up until their loved ones are brought home safely.

Human Rights, Regional

Gaza humanitarian crisis: Death toll mounts as aid centers become targets

Shaffie A Mtambo

GAZA-(MaraviPost)-The Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with aid centers becoming death traps for Palestinians seeking essential supplies.

At least 20 people have been killed at a food distribution center in Khan Younis, highlighting the dire situation on the ground.

The United Nations has condemned the targeting of aid sites, warning that such attacks are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The situation is further complicated by Israel’s continued siege, which has led to widespread hunger and malnutrition among Palestinians.

Displaced Palestinians are forced to risk their lives to collect food and basic necessities from aid centers.

Many have been displaced multiple times since the conflict began, making their situation even more desperate.

According to reports, 61 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Tuesday, including 23 in the Shati refugee camp.

The international community is urged to take action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians.

The situation in Gaza demands immediate attention and response to prevent further loss of life.

Airstrikes have also hit eastern Lebanon and southern Syria, killing 12 people, adding to the region’s instability.

The crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with aid sites becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

Politics

Hamas fully recovered, fields 40,000 fighters in Gaza tunnels, warns retired Israeli General

Jones Gadama

GAZA-(MaraviPost)-A stark warning has been issued by retired Israeli Major General Yitzhak Brik, a former senior officer and military ombudsman, that Hamas has fully recovered its pre-war military capabilities and now fields an estimated 40,000 fighters entrenched within Gaza’s vast tunnel network.

This assessment directly contradicts official Israeli military claims of progress in Gaza, sparking a heated debate within Israel’s defense circles.

According to Brik, the destruction across Gaza is being used to create a false impression of victory, masking the reality that less than 10% of Hamas’s tunnels have been destroyed.

These tunnels, stretching hundreds of kilometers and reaching depths of up to 80 meters, allow Hamas operatives to move undetected, plant explosives, and evade Israeli forces.

Brik’s warning is based on his analysis of Hamas’s guerrilla tactics, decentralized command structure, and ability to recruit replacements, which have enabled the group to rebuild its ranks despite heavy casualties.

Israeli intelligence estimates that Hamas lost around 15,000 fighters but has since replenished those numbers through local recruitment.

The retired general also criticized the Israeli government’s strategic decisions, particularly its overreliance on air power and failure to establish a viable post-war governance plan for Gaza.

He warned that without a political solution, Hamas will continue to reassert control, undermining Israel’s long-term security goals.

“Hamas’s ability to replenish its ranks and maintain its tunnel network is a clear indication that the current military campaign is not achieving its intended objectives,” Brik said in a recent article published in Maariv. “The destruction across Gaza is being used to create a false impression of victory, but the reality on the ground is far from it.”

Brik’s assessment has sparked a heated debate within Israel’s defense circles, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of the current military campaign and the future of Gaza’s political landscape.

Many are now calling for a re-evaluation of Israel’s strategy in Gaza, with a focus on finding a political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

The tunnel network used by Hamas is a complex system that allows the group to move undetected and evade Israeli forces.

According to Brik, the tunnels stretch hundreds of kilometers and reach depths of up to 80 meters, making it difficult for Israeli forces to detect and destroy them.

“Hamas’s tunnel network is a game-changer in the conflict,” Brik said, adding that,”It allows them to move undetected, plant explosives, and evade Israeli forces.

The fact that less than 10% of these tunnels have been destroyed is a clear indication that the current military campaign is not achieving its intended objectives.”

The implications of Brik’s warning are far-reaching, and many are now calling for a change in Israel’s strategy in Gaza.

Some are advocating for a more diplomatic approach, while others are calling for a more targeted military campaign that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the conflict is far from over, and a new approach is needed to address the complex issues at play.

Brik’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the Israeli government and the international community to re-evaluate their strategy and work towards finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

The warning issued by retired Israeli Major General Yitzhak Brik is a stark reminder of the complexities of the conflict in Gaza.

Hamas’s ability to recover its military capabilities and field a large number of fighters in the tunnel network is a clear indication that the current military campaign is not achieving its intended objectives.

A new approach is needed to address the root causes of the conflict and find a lasting solution that ensures the security and stability of both Israel and Gaza.

Lifestyle

South Africa legal giants return from The Hague to heroes welcome

Maravi Post Reporter

After a gruelling battle in the international arena, the South African Legal team finally returns from The Hague. Their tireless efforts have aimed to ensure justice and accountability prevail amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“You must not forget that the struggle continues this is just an episode in the long struggle. You heard Adila saying it’s about 75 years of the occupation, so that struggle continues it will not end. This week marked an important episode, but it did not mark the culmination of a very crucial turning point. We must look at the issue through a legal lens.”, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi-Advocate & Legal Scholar said.

As the war in Gaza reaches an unprecedented 100 days, the arrival of the South African Legal team brings hope and renewed determination. Their expertise and unwavering commitment to human rights have left a lasting impact on the global stage.

“That’s our inspiration when President Mandela said South Africa is not free until Palestine is free that’s something that remains deeply. Ofcourse we are also inspired by the Freedom Charter that says there shall be peace and friendship in the world.”, Chrispin Phiri- Ministerial Spokesperson; RSA Department of Justice.

South Africans have sung the praises of the legal team, not only for calling for an immediate ceasefire and access to aid, but for heightening the plight of Palestinians globally.

“We have to show the world, okay even though they know that South Africa stands with Palestine ,South Africa stands with humanity. We have to show the world that the people in South Africa stand with our government we stand with Palestine.”, this lady says. 

For this other gentleman, “The world has already spoken to say this is genocide, we don’t need a court case but we needed approval to say what the people of the world are saying is right”.

As the world awaits a verdict from the International Court of Justice the raging conflict continues while scores lose lives and millions are displaced.

Malefetsane Peele for Africa News Johannesburg South Africa.

Source: Africanews