IN a region defined by rapid geopolitical shifts and deep historical conflicts, the Middle East stands once again at a critical crossroads. In this episode of “Upfront” on the Pakistani channel NAM NEWS, TV reporter Waheed Husein hosts the prominent journalist, writer, and poet Ashraf AboArafe, Editor-in-Chief of the Arabic and English editions of The Diplomacy news website. Broadcasting live from Cairo, Egypt, they delve into the profound implications of Hamas’s recent decision to hand over governance in the Gaza Strip, the unyielding nature of the Israeli occupation, and the strategic weight of Iran’s stance against Western hegemony.
TV reporter Waheed Husein:
Welcome to another episode of “Upfront with Waheed Husein.” Today, we are discussing the Middle East, specifically Palestine, following the declaration by Hamas that they are ending their 20-year governance in Gaza and handing over power to the Palestinian Authority. This transition follows a peace agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza, signed alongside international parties, including the U.S. and the Egyptian government. Naturally, we will also discuss the ongoing talks between Iran and America, and the future of the region. Joining me from Cairo is a prominent guest, senior journalist, writer, and poet, Mr. Ashraf AboArafe, Editor-in-Chief of The Diplomacy. Thank you very much for joining us, Mr. Ashraf. Please, tell us, how do you view this recent decision by Hamas?
Ashraf AboArafe:
Thank you very much, Mr. Waheed. It is a pleasure to be with you. Just to precisely clarify my position for the viewers, I am the Editor-in-Chief of both the Arabic and English editions of The Diplomacy website.
To answer your question, as you know, the conflict in the Middle East is horrific and terrible, with events unfolding in a highly dramatic manner. We are witnessing Israel, heavily backed by the United States of America, doing its absolute best to dominate the Middle East. They have been committing genocide in Gaza over the last three years, a campaign that has now extended into Lebanon, alongside sudden attacks on Iran. All of this is being done to achieve a devious, devilish dream in the region.
Regarding the step taken by Hamas yesterday, it falls within the context of rearranging the Palestinian ranks. I believe it is vital for the leadership in the Gaza Strip to consolidate their positions to face the malicious agendas of the Israeli government, particularly the administration led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
TV reporter Waheed Husein:
Do you believe that this step will lead to some form of peace in Gaza, given that power has been handed over to a more temperate governing authority?
Ashraf AboArafe:
To be frank, any steps taken by the Arabs, especially the Palestinian government, will never satisfy Israel. Israel’s entire state policy relies on trickery, deception, and political maneuvering; they do not possess a genuine vision for peace. They do their utmost to deceive every element around them to fulfill their expansionist plans, which are historically rooted in the ideological illusion of a “Greater State” stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates.
Therefore, no concession by Palestine or any Arab state will ever appease Israel. Israel operates under an aggressive colonial imagination, enforcing its will regardless of international law. This is the core ideology of their political establishment. What we see today—the genocide being committed in the villages of southern Lebanon and the strikes on Syria—is the true face of Israeli policy in the Middle East.
TV reporter Waheed Husein:
Then why is it that Israel does not respect the ceasefires that were agreed upon in Gaza as well as in Lebanon?
Ashraf AboArafe:
My dear friend, let us be completely honest with our audience. Israel will not halt its aggressive policies against any country in the Middle East because it is driven by these wild, unbridled dreams. No matter how much the Arabs try to persuade Israel toward peace, Israel—fortified by U.S. support—will neither listen to nor cooperate with the international community.
Dozens of UN resolutions have been passed over the decades, yet Israel has never abided by a single international decision. Their policy is one of continuous maneuvers and evasion; they do exactly what they please without any regard for the consequences or the rights of others. Even though Donald Trump announced days ago that a ceasefire would be activated across the region, including southern Lebanon and Iran, this has not materialized on the ground at all. Why? Because this is the inherent nature of Israel and the behavior of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government—a defiant conduct that echoes their historical rejection of the teachings of our holy prophets; Moses, Jesus, and Prophet Muhammad.
TV reporter Waheed Husein:
Mr. Ashraf, following the signing of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Iran and the United States of America, do you foresee a path to lasting peace in the Middle East?
Ashraf AboArafe:
Never. Absolutely never. The core philosophy of Zionism is fundamentally based on erasing the existence of others to ensure the life of Israel. We see this not only today, but throughout history ever since Zionism sought to establish a homeland in the Middle East, specifically in Palestine. The only difference today is the complete integration between Jewish Zionism and Christian Zionism, forming a united front that commits genocide against other nations for their own strategic benefits.
However, had it not been for Iran achieving a monumental triumph and displaying immense resilience against what is called the superpower (the USA) and Israel over the past weeks, Israel would have gone much further than what it did in Gaza, Beirut, and Syria. Allow me to send a great salute of respect to our sister nation, Iran. They have taught the Israeli government and the USA a very harsh, cruel lesson in self-defense and in striking the depth of Israeli territory. This steadfastness is a source of great honor, not just for Muslim nations, but for all of humanity.
Without these incredibly brave actions by Iran, I believe the U.S. and Israel would have moved toward occupying Iranian lands. But those forty-nine days during which Iran resolutely defended itself—and not only defended itself, but successfully targeted U.S. assets in the Gulf region as well as the depth of Israel—were profoundly remarkable. We pray that God always grants Iran victory.
Let me use your platform, Mr. Waheed, to send a vital message: It is high time for the Islamic world to stand firmly, side-by-side with Iran. Our faith and the Holy Quran oblige us to unite and confront this wild imperialism, whether it stems from the USA or Israel. Unless we unite in this duty, the entire world—not just the Middle East or the Islamic world—will find itself in grave, deadly danger.
TV reporter Waheed Husein:
Thank you very much, Mr. Ashraf AboArafe, Editor-in-Chief of The Diplomacy Arabic-English website. Thank you for joining us live from Cairo, Egypt.
Ashraf AboArafe:
You are most welcome, Mr. Waheed. My sincere thanks to you and your entire production team. Thank you.
