KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a nationwide protest against Israeli terrorism scheduled for Friday, March 21, to condemn the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza, with the backing of the United States. The demonstrations are set to take place simultaneously across the country, aiming to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
In an official statement, JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman strongly denounced the Israeli military operations in Gaza, labeling them as crimes against humanity. He accused the Zionist forces of perpetrating one of the worst acts of fascism in modern history, systematically targeting civilians. He emphasized that over 48,000 people, including women and children, have lost their lives in the onslaught, while millions have been left injured. The destruction has been so severe that thousands remain buried under the debris of collapsed buildings, with little hope of rescue.
Rehman further underscored the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, stating that the region is facing an acute shortage of food and medical supplies. He warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, the suffering of the Palestinian people will only worsen. He reiterated that these acts of aggression are being carried out under the patronage of the US, which continues to support Israel’s military actions politically and financially.
To protest against these grave injustices, Rehman announced that rallies and demonstrations would take place in major cities and smaller towns across Pakistan. He called upon the public to join the protests in large numbers, urging them to raise their voices against the oppression of the Palestinian people. He stressed that global awareness and intense public pressure are necessary to halt the violence and bring justice to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with continued Israeli airstrikes causing widespread devastation. According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of bombings on Tuesday, killing more than 400 people. The escalation shattered a brief period of relative calm, which had been in place as international mediators attempted to broker a lasting ceasefire.
The recent airstrikes have targeted residential areas, reducing homes and entire neighborhoods to rubble. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli tanks have also been shelling the Gaza Strip from across the border, further exacerbating the destruction. Many families have been displaced, seeking refuge in already overcrowded shelters that lack necessities. The humanitarian crisis is worsening day by day, with limited access to medical care, clean water, and essential supplies.
Hamas, which still holds 59 of the approximately 250 hostages it took during its October 7, 2023, attack, has accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging ceasefire negotiations. The group claims that Israeli military aggression is undermining efforts by international mediators to establish a sustainable peace agreement. However, despite these allegations, Hamas has not issued any immediate threats of retaliation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the latest strikes, stating that they were necessary after Hamas refused to agree to a proposed extension of the ceasefire. He reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying military action until Israel achieves its strategic objectives. Netanyahu’s stance has further fueled tensions, with many fearing that the conflict will continue to escalate, leading to even greater loss of life and destruction in Gaza.
The ongoing violence has drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations and global leaders calling for an immediate halt to the bloodshed. Many countries have urged both parties to return to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with diplomatic efforts currently at a standstill, the future remains uncertain for the people of Gaza, who continue to bear the brunt of this prolonged war.
As Pakistan prepares for the nationwide protests organized by JI, the issue of Palestinian suffering remains at the forefront of global discussions. The rallies aim to bring attention to the devastating impact of Israeli aggression and the need for urgent international intervention. Whether these protests will lead to concrete action remains to be seen, but for many, they represent a crucial step in voicing solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanding justice on their behalf.