This is an advice on how to understand and respond to Israel’s escalation of oppression and massacre of Palestinians.
Context
This “war” is not a new event. It did not begin with Hamas’ retaliation against Israel on 7th October 2023.
This war has been ongoing since 1947 when Zionist settlers from Europe started taking over Palestinian lands.
The state now known as Israel was created out of Zionist terrorism with support from Western powers.
Palestine has been under Zionist occupation since 1948. Palestinians have the right to resist the occupation.
Since 2007, the Zionist state of Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza. Gaza does not have its own airport and does not administer its own seaport or land access.
Everything (from food, medical supplies, fuel and other necessities) are only allowed into Gaza if Israel approves it.
Gaza electrical and water supply are controlled by Israel. They have been under daily “rolling blackouts”.
Israel continuously set up new settlements in Palestinian territory.
Israel kidnap, murder, demolish homes, humiliate Palestinians everyday.
Israel has been escalating their oppression of Palestinians before Hamas’ retaliation.
A few out of the hundreds of examples the last few months:
Ten Palestinians killed, 100 injured, six critical, in an Israel army incursion into Nablus
Israel legalizes 9 West Bank outposts despite U.S. objection
EU diplomat demands accountability after Israeli settler rampage in West Bank
Israeli forces carry out violent raid at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Germany, U.S. slam Netanyahu's Middle East map presented at UN
Retaliation
On 7th October 2023, Palestinians responded to Israel’s continued oppression and the escalation of its attack on Palestine.
Hamas launched several thousand rockets to Israel.
Israel claimed to be surprised even though there were rumours that Palestinians were planning to retaliate against the continued Israeli oppression.
Israel used this opportunity to destroy Palestine.
Israel is now bombing the whole of Gaza with reports of white phosphorous (read report here) used against civilians.
Israel has also cut off electricity, water, food, fuel and medical supplies from entering Gaza.
Israel has demanded Palestinians to either leave or be killed.
Advice for Singapore Muslims
It is our responsibility to stand with the oppressed Palestinians.
More than 90% of Palestinians in Gaza are Muslims.
This is NOT a war between Muslims and Jews.
This is a war between the Zionist State of Israel andPalestinians/ the ummah.
Jews in Singapore or anywhere else are NOT part of the war.
Regardless of the PAP government’s statements, Singapore is NOT part of the war.
What should we NOT do?
We do NOT join the war. Palestinians asked for Muslim states to help them. They did not ask for individuals.
We are not encouraged to harm ourselves when we do not have to. Attempting to join the war is illegal according to Singapore law and will lead to difficult consequences for you and your family.
Anyone who wishes to join the war will just be another mouth for the Palestinians to feed and another body that needs medical attention when you get hurt. You will not help them. You will only make it more difficult for them.
What should we do?
Make doa. Qunut nazila. Consistently.
Donate to organisations that are helping Palestinians. Make sure these organisations are properly audited so you know they do what they claim to do.
Spread awareness. Get the stories out. Make everyone understand what is going on.
Pressure the PAP government. Pressure the Islamic organisations to take a clearer stand. If possible, pressure international organisations and the media.
Be optimistic. Our responsibility is to make the effort. Success is with Allah.