Palestinian-Aussie medico’s grave doubts for peace plan
The man who largely brought to light the horrors of life on the ground in Gaza now wants to share another brutal truth about the war.
It’s probably not over.
Mohammed Mustafa, a Perth-based doctor who has shared video clips of his work as a flying emergency medical worker in Gaza, still harbors grave fears about the prospect of peace there.
The ceasefire came into force after the 20-article agreement, which received the support of Israel and US President Donald Trump.
Dr Mustafa said this should not be confused with a long-term solution.
“This is not a peace plan but a ceasefire,” he told AAP.
Central to their concerns is Hamas’ lack of accountability for Israel’s military strikes before and after the 2023 shock attack that launched the latest two-year war.
“It is important to understand that this peace plan does not meet the conditions that led to October 7,” he said.
“There is nothing about Palestinian self-government, the end of Israeli occupation, or the lifting of the siege.
“There is nothing in this peace plan about two years of war crimes.
“My people, my family, were subjected to genocide by neighbors, as recognized by the UN and all major human rights organisations.
“You can’t have peace without justice, and that’s the 75-year issue of the Palestinian struggle.”
Israel categorically rejects the UN commission of inquiry’s finding of genocide and denies allegations of wrongdoing, justifying its actions as self-defense following a Hamas attack on October 7 that killed nearly 1,200 people.
Dr Mustafa, better known as Dr Mo or “Beast from the Middle East” on his Instagram account, became a global sensation by posting revealing and heartbreaking clips while working in Gaza hospitals.
While she was an unknown two years ago, she has gained 300,000 followers on social media and on her Australian Story profile and now wants to set up a children’s hospital in Gaza.
“We have birthing and neonatal facilities at the border ready and once we get that, we will start fundraising for a children’s hospital,” he said.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel remains concerned about the flow of aid, medicine, doctors and machinery needed to start the massive reconstruction that is under its control.
Still, he has more optimism than some Palestinians who are devastated by the extent of the devastation.
“I have to be hopeful,” he said.
“Three years ago, many people could not understand Gaza, the occupation and history. Now the world view has changed.
“The Palestinians have managed to shine a light…they have accomplished something so extraordinary that to say I am not hopeful would be disrespectful to those who died and to those who survived.”
