Accra: The United States must transcend its political interests to halt the violence being perpetrated in Gaza, according to Mr. Mahmoud Sedqi Abdalrahman Alhabbash, Chief Justice of the State of Palestine. He emphasized the pivotal role the US holds in facilitating a ceasefire similar to its intervention in the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Abdalrahman Alhabbash, who also serves as Advisor to the President of the State of Palestine on Religious Affairs and Peace Relations, made these remarks during a media briefing at the Palestinian Embassy in Accra. This event followed his visit to Ghana with an entourage. He highlighted that Palestinians have consistently advocated for peace and a two-state solution, but these efforts have been met with resistance from the Israeli government, which continues to defy international laws through its actions in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Mr. Abdalrahman Alhabbash stated that the decision to stop the violence rests with the White House, asserting that a single call from the US to Mr. Netanyahu could halt the aggression. He reported that the ongoing conflict has displaced nearly eight million Palestinians, with around four million becoming refugees within Palestine. Since October 2023, over 60,000 individuals have been killed, more than 100,000 injured, and a significant portion of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches, has been destroyed in the Gaza Strip.
He further detailed the humanitarian crisis, noting that over two million Gazans are suffering from hunger due to the blockade on humanitarian aid imposed by Israel. As a Gazan himself, Mr. Abdalrahman Alhabbash shared personal losses, including his home and family members, as a result of the conflict.
In his address, he underscored the lack of genuine interest from the Israeli government in achieving peace, citing their reluctance to engage in negotiations. He clarified that the Palestinian stance is not against Jews or Judaism but against occupation and colonialism, advocating for recognition of Palestinian rights and statehood.
Mr. Abdalrahman Alhabbash outlined priorities such as stopping Israeli aggression, safeguarding Palestinian existence in Gaza, preventing forced evacuations, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
Supporting these sentiments, Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of Insight Newspaper and General Secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, criticized Western nations for their inaction and continued support of Israel. He condemned the ongoing supply of weapons and diplomatic backing to Israel, which he described as a regime lacking dignity and propriety. Mr. Pratt Jnr. also highlighted the financial injustices faced by the Palestinian Authority, with customs duties being withheld by the Israeli administration.
