Indian Muslim Leaders Issue Joint Statement on Gaza: Call for Solidarity Marches and Boycott of Israeli Products
New Delhi, 26 July – (www.deccanlive.com): After a long silence, major Muslim organizations, religious leaders, and civil society representatives in India have issued a joint statement on the ongoing crisis in Palestine. The declaration strongly condemned the “genocide and inhuman atrocities” in Gaza and appealed to the Indian government and world powers to intervene immediately to stop the violence.
“Unshakable Solidarity with the People of Palestine”
The statement expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine on behalf of over 200 million Indian Muslims and peace-loving citizens of the country. It urged global leaders and “people of conscience worldwide” to raise their voices against Israeli aggression.
The signatories highlighted that Israeli attacks on homes, hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have now become “a systematic genocide”, with nearly 100,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, including a large number of women and children. They also pointed out that 90% of Gaza’s medical facilities have been destroyed or rendered useless, while over two million people are struggling for food and survival, with famine threatening the entire population.
“End the Blockade, Cut Ties with Israel”
The declaration criticized the blockade of Gaza, which has left thousands of tons of food and medical aid stranded at borders, leading to the spread of deadly diseases. It demanded that all nations cut military and economic ties with Israel and support the UN General Assembly’s call to end Israel’s illegal occupation.
It also urged Muslim countries to put pressure on Israel and the United States to halt the ongoing genocide, stressing that silence from the international community is “unacceptable.”
Call for Boycotts and Peaceful Resistance
The leaders called on ordinary citizens and institutions to boycott Israeli products and companies supporting the genocide. They urged civil society groups, educational institutions, and religious organizations to raise awareness, expose propaganda, and organize solidarity marches, awareness campaigns, academic discussions, and interfaith programs in support of Palestine.
The statement emphasized that freedom of expression must be protected for those speaking in favor of Palestine and urged the government to ensure no harassment of such voices.
Signatories
The joint statement was signed by prominent leaders, including Maulana Arshad Madani (Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind), Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani (All India Muslim Personal Law Board), Syed Sadatullah Husaini (Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), Maulana Ali Asghar Imam Mahdi Salafi, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, Maulana Ahmed Wali Faisal Rahmani, Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, Malik Motasim Khan, Dr. Mohammed Manzoor Alam, Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, Abdul Hafeez (SIO of India), Maulana Mohsin Taqvi, and Prof. Akhtarul Wasey.
