Egyptian Islamic institutions, including Al-Azhar, condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing its inhumanity during Ramadan. Leaders urged Islamic nations and the international community to intervene, calling it a violation of both international law and humanitarian principles. They demanded the opening of aid routes and accountability for Israeli actions impacting civilians. Escalating humanitarian concerns amplified calls for immediate action against the blockade.
Egypt’s leading Sunni Islamic institutions, including Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Ministry of Endowments, and Dar Al-Iftaa, have vehemently condemned the Israeli government’s recent decision to block humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. They denounced this action as a grave violation of human dignity and mercy, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
Al-Azhar described the decision to prevent aid convoys from entering Gaza as an attempt to exploit religious practices for further suffering of innocent civilians, particularly affecting men, women, and children. The institution reaffirmed that depriving individuals of sustenance during Ramadan constitutes a serious crime, demanding justice in accordance with Islamic principles.
Furthermore, Al-Azhar criticized world leaders who have the power to intervene yet remain silent, as well as those who support such injustices. It implored Islamic nations to utilize their diplomatic power to lift the oppressive siege on Gaza, which it characterizes as an effort to coerce Palestinians into dire choices that could further entrench the occupation.
The religious authority called for the international community to take action to end the blockade, facilitate aid deliveries, and hold Israeli authorities accountable for perceived war crimes in Gaza. This call for action included the opening of Gaza’s crossings to enable humanitarian efforts.
Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a halt in the flow of aid due to the expiration of a ceasefire agreement, although a temporary extension has been granted. The decision was further condemned by Osama Al-Azhari, the Egyptian Minister of Endowments, who described it as a violation of international law exacerbating the hardships faced by Palestinians during Ramadan.
The Minister labeled the deprivation of food and medicine as a humanitarian crime, stressing the need for immediate support from the international community and humanitarian organizations to pressure Israel for safe aid delivery. He asserted that ignoring these violations implicates others in the ongoing occupation and humanitarian breaches.
Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of the Republic, also condemned the Israeli government’s decision, aligning with the statements of other Islamic leaders calling for urgent humanitarian action and justice for the Palestinian people.
In summary, the Egyptian Islamic authorities strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly highlighting the implications during Ramadan. They called for international action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and demanded accountability for violations of rights. The overwhelming message is a plea for mercy and immediate support for the Palestinian people facing dire conditions.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
