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April 28, 2024
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The Impact of War on Ramadan Goods in Darfur
March 12, 2024
Challenges in Delivering Ramadan Goods
This year, the Darfur region in western Sudan is facing difficulties in getting essential foods and agricultural products for Ramadan to different parts of the country. The ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has caused chaos since April 15, resulting in many deaths and displacements.
Agricultural Impact
Agriculture in Darfur relies on rain for irrigation, but the war has disrupted farming activities. This has led to a decrease in production and made it harder to distribute crops to other regions of Sudan.
Types of Crops in Darfur
North Darfur produces millet and mariq, while South Darfur grows peanuts, hibiscus, ardib, dum, and baobab. Central and West Darfur focus on vegetables, fruits, lentils, and potatoes.
Missing Foods Due to War
The absence of these crops has affected the local community's nutrition and traditional dishes. Families are struggling to afford Ramadan foods and drinks due to the war's impact on income and poverty levels.
Impact on Farmers
Many farmers in South Darfur have stopped working due to the war, leading to a humanitarian crisis. They need urgent aid to improve their living conditions and alleviate their suffering.
Reasons for Decline
Government employee Al-Sadiq Jumaa Mustafa mentioned that the war, along with other factors like seed distribution issues and looting of agricultural equipment, has contributed to the decline in crop production for Ramadan.
Transportation Issues
Transportation problems have also hindered the delivery of agricultural supplies to other regions of Sudan, affecting the availability of Ramadan foods in many areas.
Struggling to Afford Necessities
Poor economic conditions have led to a shortage of essential foods for Ramadan. Many Sudanese, like journalist Muhammad Suleiman Hamed, have had to cut back on their purchases this year due to financial constraints.
Impact on Displaced People
Displaced individuals like Umm Kulthum from South Darfur are finding it hard to prepare traditional Ramadan drinks and foods. They are hoping for peace and stability to return soon.
Source: Al Jazeera
US Intelligence Assessment
Challenges Faced by Key Arab Partners
According to US intelligence agencies, Israel is determined to eliminate Hamas but may face armed resistance from the group for many years. The conflict in the Gaza Strip poses a challenge for key Arab partners who are facing public backlash due to the destruction in the region.
Senate Testimony
The annual unclassified international threat assessment report was completed last month and was declassified during intelligence officials' testimony before the Senate. Officials did not address questions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government but focused on negotiations for detainee releases.
Pressure on Israel and America
The assessment predicts that Israel will continue to face armed resistance from Hamas for years to come. The report also highlights the underground infrastructure of Hamas, which allows them to hide and surprise Israeli forces. The recent attacks in Gaza have led to increased tensions in the region, with Iranian proxies launching anti-American and anti-Israeli attacks.
International Pressure
Israel is expected to face growing international pressure due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The lack of confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership among Israelis may lead to large protests demanding his resignation.
About the US Intelligence Community
The US Intelligence Community is a group of 18 federal government agencies that work together to support the foreign policy and national security of the United States. It was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Source: Agencies
Ramadan Begins in Gaza
On the 157th day of the war in Gaza, Palestinians started fasting for the month of Ramadan. Despite this, Israeli bombings and attacks continued, making life even harder for people in Gaza. There doesn't seem to be an end to the war in sight.
International Calls for Ceasefire
The United Nations Secretary-General and the White House both called for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. Efforts are being made to reach a temporary ceasefire to stop the violence.
Developments in Different Areas
West Bank
Israeli forces increased security measures in the West Bank during Ramadan and imposed restrictions on residents of Jerusalem.
Lebanon
Hezbollah attacked Israeli positions in the Golan Heights, including an air defense headquarters.
Yemen
The Houthi group reported being targeted by American and British airstrikes in Hodeidah Governorate.
Updates from Gaza
The Al-Qassam Brigades are engaged in intense battles with Israeli forces using heavy weapons. The Ministry of Health reported 7 massacres in the past 24 hours, resulting in many casualties.
Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the risk of famine looming. The director of government information in Gaza blamed Israel and the US for committing war crimes against children and women.
Efforts for Ceasefire
The US and other countries dropped humanitarian aid in Gaza, but there are still concerns about the safety of civilians. President Biden emphasized the need for a plan to protect civilians in Rafah.
Incidents in the West Bank
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian in the West Bank and carried out raids in several cities. Settlers also attacked farmers and herders in Hebron.
Lebanese Front
Hezbollah clashed with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Israeli army used the Iron Dome system to intercept missiles from Lebanon.
Red Sea Axis
Reports of American and British aggression in Yemen's Red Sea coast raised concerns. Attacks targeted areas in Hodeidah Governorate, leading to tensions in the region.
UN Calls for Peace
UN Secretary-General Guterres urged for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. He emphasized the need to stop the violence and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
Imagine a huge wooden lantern, over 6 meters in size, hanging in the Barajeel area of Egypt. This lantern is not just any decoration - it carries a special message. The phrase “Palestine in the Heart” is proudly displayed on the sides of the lantern, symbolizing solidarity and support for Palestine.
A Long-Standing Tradition
For about 40 years, the people of the Barajeel area have been coming together to create the largest lantern in Egypt to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This lantern is a labor of love, crafted by carpenters, engravers, blacksmiths, electricians, and glass workers from the local community.
Community Celebration
This year, the hanging of the lantern in the Barajeel area was a festive event. Children danced and sang Ramadan songs around the lantern, creating a joyful atmosphere. It was a moment of unity and joy for the neighborhood.
Symbol of Hope
While the tradition of lantern-making in Egypt dates back to the Fatimid era, this year’s lantern holds special significance. It coincided with a devastating Israeli aggression on Gaza, reminding people of the importance of standing in solidarity with brothers in Gaza.
Spread of Tradition
Throughout Egypt, during the month of Ramadan, you can see lanterns and decorations adorning streets, parks, and public places. It is a beautiful tradition that brings communities together and spreads joy during this special time of year.
Confusion in the Occupation Army
During the battle in the Gaza Strip with the resistance led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Israeli military found themselves in a state of confusion. They had been waging a war in Gaza for over 156 days, but their confidence was shaken after suffering a strike on October 7. The occupation army's main goal was to eliminate the resistance, but they were unable to achieve it.
Secrets of the Resistance's Steadfastness
The resistance in the Gaza Strip relies on a tactic called "passive defense" to neutralize enemy targets and reduce damage. This tactic involves using preventive measures to mislead the enemy's intelligence and combat weapons, making them less effective.
Misleading the Enemy
Despite continuous bombing and limited resources, the resistance is able to strike the occupation forces by misleading them. They use video recordings to show fighters approaching enemy crowds and attaching explosive devices to vehicles without being detected.
Examples of Occupation Failure
The resistance has been able to deliver strikes that surprised the occupation, such as targeting armored vehicles and killing occupation soldiers. The resistance's knowledge of the land in Gaza, along with their adoption of passive defense and guerrilla warfare, has allowed them to inflict heavy losses on the occupation.
Survival Strategy
The resistance's survival strategy involves neutralizing the enemy's intelligence and combat capabilities, making it difficult for the enemy to track their movements. They use security measures like radio silence, camouflage, and obstacles to avoid detection.
Understanding Passive Defense Strategies in Gaza
When talking about passive defense strategies in Gaza, we're referring to how the resistance, led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, plans to confront the occupation forces. Instead of directly attacking, the resistance focuses on absorbing enemy strikes, using violent bombing, creating belts of fire, and implementing a scorched earth policy.
The Importance of Tunnels
One key aspect of the resistance's defensive plan is the use of tunnels. These tunnels help neutralize enemy devices like satellites, thermal cameras, and reconnaissance aircraft, giving the resistance an advantage in the battlefield.
Decentralized Leadership
Unlike the occupation army, which has a centralized command structure, the resistance adopts a decentralized leadership approach. This means that fighters on the ground have the freedom to assess the situation and make decisions based on the combat scenario they are facing. This flexibility allows the resistance to remain effective even if communication with the command is lost.
Occupation Gatherings
One interesting aspect of the resistance's tactics is the decision not to target occupation soldiers when they appear in crowds in Gaza. This may be due to a variety of reasons, such as the location of the crowds being unknown to the resistance or outside the range of their weapons. Additionally, the resistance may be waiting for re-ammunition or have already struck the target but was unable to document it.
Ultimately, the resistance only allows enemy forces to land on the ground after ensuring that the area has been cleared through bombing or fire belts, or after the resistance elements have withdrawn.
Bombing and Casualties
On the 156th day of the war on Gaza, Israel continued to target civilians in different areas, resulting in more casualties. The Israeli army carried out bombings in several parts of the Gaza Strip, causing injuries and deaths to many people. Within 24 hours, there were 8 massacres that led to the deaths of 85 Palestinians and injuries to 130 others. The total number of casualties from the ongoing aggression has now surpassed 31,000 deaths and 72,000 wounded, with a majority being women and children.
Resistance Actions
The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, carried out operations against Israeli forces. They blew up a house in Bani Suhaila and clashed with another force in a tunnel, resulting in casualties among the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli army also reported the death of one of their soldiers in battles in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Political Developments
The head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, blamed Israel for the lack of agreement so far. He mentioned that Hamas is willing to show flexibility on the issue of prisoners if the aggression stops and the displaced people are allowed to return. Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas has set conditions for negotiations, including a ceasefire and preventing any harmful plans against Gaza.
Prisoner Exchange Talks
Egypt is in contact with Hamas, Israel, and other mediators to resume negotiations for a truce during Ramadan. US President Joe Biden expressed his desire for a 6-week truce, during which Israeli detainees in Gaza would be released.
Humanitarian Crisis
The month of Ramadan began in Gaza with severe humanitarian conditions. Many residents are suffering from hunger and lack of basic necessities. The UNRWA highlighted the tragic situation in the north of Gaza, where aid is being blocked despite repeated appeals. The US military announced new aid landing operations over Gaza, and Washington plans to build a naval pier for aid reception.
Post-War Period
A Hamas security official dismissed the occupation's attempt to create governing bodies in Gaza as a failed conspiracy. Hamas warned against collaborating with the occupation and vowed to protect Gaza from any new rules imposed by external forces.
Israeli Confession and Other Developments
The Israeli army admitted to killing an elderly Palestinian in Gaza, sparking outrage from Hamas. In Al-Aqsa Mosque, security measures were heightened during Ramadan prayers. In the West Bank, the Israeli army conducted incursions in various cities and towns. Hezbollah carried out attacks on Israeli sites along the Lebanese border, prompting preparations for a potential large-scale attack by the Israeli army.
Source: Agencies
On the 155th day of the war on Gaza, the Israeli occupation continued to commit massacres in the Gaza Strip. The battles intensified on multiple fronts, leading to a rise in the number of martyrs due to famine to 25.
Israeli Prisoners Revealed
Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, disclosed the identities of 4 Israeli prisoners out of 7 who were reported killed. This revelation came after an Israeli bombing.
President Biden's Aid Plan
President Joe Biden's proposal to construct a temporary port or pier off the coast of Gaza to provide food and aid by sea made headlines. However, international organizations viewed this as an attempt to divert attention from the real humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Escalation in the Red Sea
The Red Sea witnessed a significant escalation by the Houthi group, who carried out two military operations using missiles and drones against American ships and destroyers in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Hezbollah's Actions in Lebanon
Hezbollah continued to target several Israeli military sites in Lebanon, prompting the Israeli army to expand its raids and bombings into southern Lebanon.
Battles in Gaza
The Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they seized two Quadcopter aircraft conducting intelligence missions in Gaza City. They also shared images of Israeli vehicles targeted in Khan Yunis, showing parts of tanks and heavy vehicles scattered in the streets.
The Al-Quds Brigades, along with other groups, targeted Israeli army concentrations in the central region of Gaza with missiles and artillery. The Israeli army reported the death of a major in the commando forces during the battles.
Israeli forces are preparing to expand their ground operation to include central Gaza and Rafah, focusing on Khan Yunis to locate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
New Bombing and Massacres
Israeli warplanes bombed the Al-Masry Tower in Rafah, destroying two-thirds of the building. The Ministry of Health reported 10 massacres in the last 24 hours, resulting in 82 deaths and 122 injuries.
The number of malnutrition and dehydration victims in Gaza rose to 23, with 3 children dying at Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
Abu Ubaida's Statement
Abu Ubaida revealed the identities of 4 Israeli prisoners killed in raids on Gaza. An investigation found that Israeli forces were aware of hostages in a targeted house, leading to casualties.
Identity of Palestinian Elderly
Al Jazeera identified a 73-year-old deaf man executed by occupation soldiers in Gaza City.
Aid Operations
Royal Jordanian Air Force dropped humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, with support from other countries' aircraft.
Plan for Temporary Port
Doctors Without Borders criticized the US plan for a temporary seaport in Gaza, urging the opening of border crossings for aid entry.
Sea Corridor Announcement
The EU and US announced a sea corridor between Cyprus and Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery, aiming to alleviate the dire situation in Gaza.
Prisoner Negotiations
Israel recently announced that their foreign intelligence agency head met with the American counterpart to work on securing the release of prisoners held in Gaza. Demonstrations are happening in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities in Israel to demand the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
Haniyeh's Appeal
The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, is calling on Arab and Islamic nations to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and isolate Israel politically and diplomatically for their war crimes. He is urging leaders to take action to protect the people of Gaza and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Plight of UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is at risk of dissolution due to funding suspensions from several countries. The director of UNRWA warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
West Bank
In the West Bank, a Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces during a raid in Kafr Thulth. Confrontations broke out, and young men were detained for investigation.
Red Sea Axis
In Yemen, the Houthi group carried out two military operations targeting American ships and war destroyers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using naval missiles and drones.
Lebanese Front
Hezbollah targeted Israeli sites near the Lebanese border and in the occupied Shebaa Farms, achieving direct hits on occupation soldiers. The party attacked various sites in the area.
Demonstrations in Support of Gaza
Across Europe, demonstrations are taking place to demand an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and provide relief to the suffering population. Thousands protested in London and Paris for an immediate ceasefire and aid for Gaza.
Source: Agencies
Erdogan Backs Hamas, Likens Netanyahu to Nazis
March 09, 2024
Erdogan's Firm Support
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently expressed his strong support for Hamas, a group fighting against the Israeli occupation in Gaza. He made it clear that Turkey stands behind Hamas leaders and refuses to label them as terrorists.
Comparison to Nazis
On the other hand, Erdogan criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comparing him to infamous historical figures like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. He condemned the Israeli government for committing crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Turkey's Support for Palestine
Commitment to Accountability
Erdogan emphasized Turkey's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and pledged to hold Israeli officials accountable for the atrocities committed in Gaza. He expressed disappointment in the lack of solidarity from the Islamic world towards the Palestinian people.
Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Turkey has sent thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza through various means, including aircraft and ships. Erdogan also mentioned working with Egyptian authorities to deliver aid to Gaza.
International Efforts for Peace
Call for Ceasefire
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and working towards a two-state solution. He urged the international community to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and stop the violence against civilians.
Push for Political Solution
Fidan highlighted the need for a political solution to the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. He called for a consensus on ending the bloodshed in Gaza and providing humanitarian assistance.
Erdogan's Criticism of Israel's Allies
Partners in Genocide
Erdogan accused countries supporting Israel of being complicit in the genocide taking place in Gaza. He criticized Western powers for their unconditional support of Israel and called for international solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian cause.
Call for State of Palestine
Erdogan emphasized the importance of establishing the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. He criticized the current international system for failing to uphold justice and solidarity, particularly in the case of Gaza.
The US Destroys the World Order for Israel's Sake
March 09, 2024
What is Going On?
Back in 1945, the United Nations was created to help countries work together and keep peace. Nevertheless, some people think it's not fair because powerful countries have more say than others. It is like a big club where some members have more power than others.
Alternative Political Bodies
Smaller countries have tried to create their own groups within the United Nations to stand up for their rights. One example is the Non-Aligned Movement, which started in 1961. It is like a smaller club within the big club.
Special Legitimacy
The United States and its friends have their own idea of what's right and wrong in international law. They often use their power to veto decisions that don't benefit them. It is as if they made the rules that work for them.
Consequences
Recently, the United States defended Israel in the Gaza conflict, even when many other countries disagreed. This has caused some tension in the international community. The United States is also not a member of the International Criminal Court, but still tries to use it to cover up its actions.
These choices will have consequences in the future. The world is facing a crisis of legitimacy, and just making small changes will not fix the problem. A big deal needs to be addressed.
Source: American press
Abu Ubaida's Concerns
Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military arm of Hamas, recently spoke out about the dire situation in Gaza. He mentioned that the famine affecting Gaza has now reached the prisoners of the Israeli occupation. Some of these prisoners are facing serious health issues due to lack of food and medicine.
Deception in Negotiations
Abu Ubaida also addressed the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, stating that the occupation government is not being honest. He emphasized that for any deal to be made, the aggression must stop, forces must withdraw, displaced persons must return, and reconstruction must begin.
Double Standards
American Administration's Response
Abu Ubaida criticized the American administration for showing concern over a small number of Israeli prisoners while ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people. He called out their double standards and lack of regard for human rights.
Barbaric Aggression
Abu Ubaida revealed that the occupation had planned its aggressive actions before the events of October 7th. He stated that the Palestinian people responded to this aggression with the October 7th epic, standing up against attempts to Judaize and destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Call to Action
Abu Ubaida urged Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and occupied Palestine to stand up and protect Al-Aqsa. He also called on Muslims worldwide to mobilize and confront the occupation's arrogance.
Source: Al Jazeera
