Visuals from Gaza depict harrowing scenes: plastic bags filled with bloodstained, charred body parts, pools of blood soaking the ground, and infrastructure reduced to rubble and dust. Heart-wrenching testimonies from the families of the martyred convey their unbearable pain: “Zionists are committing atrocities more brutal than the Nazis.”
Ten days into August, Gaza endured its fifth attack on a school. This incident happened despite international humanitarian law clearly protecting schools and hospitals as civilian objects.
Those who had already endured unimaginable torture and loss—stripped of everything by the relentless terror unleashed by Netanyahu—were targeted once again. At dawn, as they performed Fajr prayers in a school-turned-shelter, they were brutally torn apart by Israeli strikes, leaving behind nothing but fragmented remains and burnt debris. Not a single intact body was found. Over a hundred Palestinian civilians, including women, children and the elderly, were killed, and dozens more were wounded.
Paramedics gathered and weighed the remains, dividing them into bags of approximately 70 kg—the average weight of an adult. Each surviving family was given a bag containing their martyr’s remains and asked to bury it.
Gaza’s media office reported that the Israeli army used three bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds (907 kg), in the attack on the al-Tabin school in Gaza City’s Daraj neighbourhood. The office also stated that Israel was fully aware of the presence of displaced people inside the school.
The Israeli military actually acknowledged targeting the Tabin school in central Gaza City, claiming it struck a “Hamas command centre” within the school that “served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders”. However, of course, they provided no evidence to support this claim and denied the death toll reported by Palestinian officials.
If these actions serve any purpose, it is to make clear that Netanyahu has no intention of pausing or seeking a ceasefire. He is resolute in carrying out ethnic cleansing, fully supported by the USA. Just a day before, on August 9th, the US Congress approved a decision to provide Israel with $3.5 billion to spend on American weapons and military equipment.
Relentless violence and bloodshed have persisted for 10 months, claiming the lives of approximately 40,000 Palestinians, wounding around 92,000, and displacing over a million. Yet, the world is still debating whether this qualifies as genocide. Media outlets continue to struggle with appropriately framing their headlines, while people worldwide are still questioning whether to boycott Disney and McDonald’s.
What can we realistically do?
As we pray to Allah, the Most Merciful, to shower His mercy on the resilient Palestinians and grant their martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, there are basic steps that each of us can take.
- Boycott:
While none of us are going to take up arms against Israel, we must do the least we can: hold accountable the corporations that support and profit from the ongoing atrocities. It’s essential to ensure that our money is not funding these injustices or supporting the IDF.
We have local alternatives for most products —from pizza to button-down shirts. The taste might differ, and the quality may not always match up, but at least we can stop contributing financially to the oppression of our brothers and sisters. Plus, by choosing local, we keep the profits within our own country.
Take the time to research. Whatever you can possibly boycott, do it. Let’s prioritise our values over our wants and take meaningful action where we can. May Allah (SWT) accept our sincere efforts, however small they may be.
Some links for further reading:
https://masjidalaqsa.com/boycott-israeli-products-brands-list
- Support organisations
Non-political organisations like the ‘Save Gaza Campaign’ have been working tirelessly to pressure the government of Pakistan to take decisive action for the people of Gaza. The SGC campaign calls on the Pakistani government to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, demarche complicit ambassadors, initiate war crimes hearings against Israel in the OIC, and establish a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza.
Show up to their protests and rallies. Volunteer your time and skills in any way that aligns with your strengths and interests.
Al Khidmat has also played a vital role in providing relief aid to Gaza. Consider donating your Sadqah and Zakah to support their efforts.
- Help spread awareness
Stay informed and up to date with the latest news. Follow Palestinian citizens and journalists, share their content, and amplify their voices. Consider joining Instagram broadcast channels for daily updates. Educate yourself so you can effectively counter false narratives and contribute to more informed conversations.
While the visuals are heart-breaking and agonising to watch, leaving us feeling hopeless and helpless, they reflect the stark reality we must confront.
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