European Muslim leaders call for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza

 

European Muslim leaders call for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza

"The" "Gaza Declaration" "was jointly presented by European Muslim umbrella organizations in the Belgian capital, Brussels."

The declaration was presented at a press conference held at the Brussels Press Club on Wednesday (July 9). The meeting was chaired by Mehmet Ustun, President of the Executive Body of Muslims in Belgium (EMB).

At the press conference, which was held in English, German and French, the leaders said Muslim organizations representing more than 15,000 mosques and Islamic institutions in Europe protested in one voice against the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and war crimes in Gaza.

According to the joint statement, more than 58,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza so far. Many people are missing. Countless villages have been destroyed. Thousands of people are struggling for food and water. Humanitarian aid is being deliberately blocked, leading to a severe famine.

Any loss of civilian life, whether at the hands of Hamas or any other party, is unacceptable," "the statement said." They called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and a peaceful two-state solution.

"The declaration said that not only the war in Gaza, but also the organized destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, which according to the United Nations and international experts is"genocide. They called for an immediate end to human rights violations.

Muslim leaders complain that humanitarian aid is now being delivered on a limited scale through a structure called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is reducing the flow of aid and putting pressure on people to move out of northern Gaza. The problem is more complex.

The declaration said the occupation, land grabbing and illegal settlements in the West Bank are in clear violation of international law. But the actions of many European countries against them are only symbolic. The question for the leaders is - why are there no strict measures despite the commitment to human rights?

They also expressed deep concern over the statements made by top Israeli politicians about the permanent occupation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians.

Seven demands were made in the statement. The demands are:

1. Ceasefire and genocide immediately.

2. release of all prisoners and detainees.

3. Ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.

4. Stop the supply of weapons that could be used in violation of international law.

5. Ensure the independence and security of the International Criminal Court.

6. Ensuring access and safety of journalists in Gaza.

7. Recognition of the State of Palestine and establishment of durable peace on the basis of two States.

The leaders said that although the general public in Europe supports these demands, it is not getting importance in the parliament of many countries. There is also a lack of coordinated diplomatic efforts on the part of the Muslim world, which is very disappointing.

The statement also called for continued dialogue with the Jewish community in Europe on the basis of mutual respect. The leaders made it clear that the incitement of any extremist group cannot create divisions between the Muslim and Jewish communities.

The Islamic Religious Authority in Austria (IGGO) was represented at the press conference by Hashim Mohammad, a Bangladeshi-born engineer, member of the supreme council of the religious authority and chairman of the Asian Islamic Community. Ahmed Deniz of the Danish Muslim Union (DMU), Ibrahim Alsi of the French Council for Islam (CFCM), Zecharia Altug of the Coordinating Council of Muslims in Germany (KRM), Yassin Baradai of the Union of Islamic Communities and Organizations of Italy (UCOII), Masum Zubair of the Islamic Council of Norway (IRM) and other Muslim leaders from Europe were also present.

In the end, it expressed deep sympathy for the common people of Palestine and said that your suffering and sacrifice are invaluable to us. We stand with you in building a peaceful and dignified Palestine.