On May 10th 2021, a fight broke out between the Israeli occupation army and the Palestinian resistance movements in Gaza. The eleven-day battle was named “Seif Al-Quds” reflecting the heroics and determination of the resistance fighters to defend Al-Quds (in English: Jerusalem) and its people against the brutal Israeli aggression. It started when the Israeli settlers intensified their confiscation campaign of properties in Shaik Jerrah area in Al-Quds along with  the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands and homes.

The Israeli bombardment on Gaza Strip was extensive. Air raids and missiles targeted almost everything in the besieged Gaza; civilian and administrative buildings, infrastructure, port, industrial workshops, farms, and even schools! It was like indiscriminate, collective punishment of the Palestinian people for their tireless struggle against occupation. As a result, 256 Palestinians were killed including at least 66 children. Thirteen Israelis were also killed in the battle.

One year after Seif Al-Quds battle, here are some insights that highlight the acheivements:

Al-Quds can no longer be isolated. The linkage between Al-Quds and Gaza (and the rest of Palestine) is now a matter of fact. The Palestinian resistance movements succeeded in establishing a new political/strategic reality: Israeli aggressions in Al-Quds will be dealt with at a full scale national Palestinian level, including the possibility of military action. Israel won’t be allowed to unleash its Jewish fanatics on Al-Aqsa Mosque without risking a costly and dangerous encounter with the Palestinian people. The people of Sheik Jerrah and other neighborhoods of Al-Quds won’t be left alone to handle the heavy burden of Israeli aggression and occupation. 

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One Palestinian people. The Arab Palestinians living inside the borders of “Israel” and hold the Israeli nationality (widely known as “the 1948 Arabs”), took an active part in Seif Al-Quds battle. The Palestinian Arabs of Lud, Ramla, Um Al Fahm, Akka and other cities and towns occupied in 1948, took to streets in tens of thousands in support of Gaza and Al-Quds. Demonstrations were very strong and comprehensive to the extent that the Israeli authorities lost control over Lud city for the first time since 1948. By emphasizing their belonging to the Palestinian people, the 1948 Arabs citizens highlighted the Zionist settlers’ failure, and dragged  the “Israelite” defeat into the spolight – a despotism that lasted over a period of 73 years. The Palestinian people proved they are one and united, regardless of their political affiliation. Whether occupied in 1948 or 1967, living in Al-Quds, West Bank, Gaza or Haifa, Muslims or Christians, under Israeli government or Palestinian authority… all of them act as Palestinians, and should always be dealt with as Palestinians.

The new Palestinian generation. An amazing Palestinian new generation is emerging. Young Palestinians, politically aware and nationally inspired, are ready to fight and sacrifice for their country. Not intimidated by the might of the Israeli occupation nor depressed by the Palestinian plight, they represent the future for a liberated Palestine.

Unity of resistance movements. The resistance movements in Gaza formed a joint military operations room from which the encounter with “Israel” was lead. That was a remarkable acheivement. National sense was above factional fragmentation, and that’s absolutely essential for achieving the national goals of the Palestinian people. 

Shaking the Israeli “deterrence” theory. For decades, “Israel” relied on the so-called “deterrence theory” in its encounters with the Arabs. Depending on its arsenal of US weapons, air force and missile defence systems, “Israel” was able to inflict severe damage and destruction on the Arabs without itself being harmed. That’s the past! In Seif Al-Quds battle, the Palestinian resistance successfully launched over 4000 rockets on Israeli targets causing chaos and disrupting life and economy in “Israel”. Israeli missile defence systems failed miserably to block the “simple” Palestinian rockets. Moreover, it was noticed that the Israeli army did not set a foot inside the Gaza Strip. They did not want any direct combat with the Palestinian guerrilla fighters who, unlike their soldiers, would welcome such an encounter. The advancements in the Palestinian military capabilities is very impressive and is being felt and recognized by the Israeli military establishment. New rules of engagement are being imposed by the resistance movements: “Israel” will pay for any aggression on Palestinian people. And will pay heavily indeed. 

Finally, it has to be mentioned that the worldwide support to the just Palestinian struggle was a source of relief to the Palestinian people. It’s not governments, but peoples. We have seen massive demonstrations all over the globe sympathizing with Palestine and condemning the Israeli aggressions. Intellectuals and free thinkers, celebrities and football stars, universities and unions, expressed their solidiarity with the aspirations of the Palestinian people for liberation and national independence. The world, or more specifically the peoples of the world, no longer accept occupation and oppression. “Israel” is heading towards an Apartheid-South-Africa destiny.

Glory to those who have fallen on the path of freedom and justice.