Al-Azhar, the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, and Dar Al-Iftaa have condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza. They criticized the action as a violation of human rights, particularly during Ramadan, stressing the need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and to hold the Israeli authorities accountable.
CAIRO – 4 March 2025: In a significant condemnation, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, and Dar Al-Iftaa criticized the Israeli government’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This action, deemed as a blockade, has sparked outrage, especially given the timing within the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Azhar expressed dismay regarding Israel’s actions, stating that blocking aid to vulnerable populations demonstrates a disregard for human dignity and mercy. The institution emphasized the moral implications of such conduct during Ramadan, a period requiring compassion and generosity towards the needy. It called the denial of relief to fasting individuals a grave injustice, meriting divine accountability.
The organization urged Islamic countries to utilize their political and diplomatic influence to address the oppressive siege on Gaza. The statement indicated that the blockade aims to pressure Palestinians into untenable situations, allowing the occupying forces to solidify their grip on the territory. Al-Azhar called for the international community to fulfill its obligations to alleviate this humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office had announced an immediate cessation of aid, coinciding with the expiration of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire agreement. Nevertheless, a temporary extension of the ceasefire was approved for an additional six weeks, coinciding with the observance of both Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Pesach.
Egyptian Minister of Endowments, Osama Al-Azhari, condemned the Israeli blockade as a violation of international law. He highlighted the aggravating effects of these actions on the Palestinian population, particularly during Ramadan, and reinforced that depriving people of basic necessities constitutes a humanitarian crime.
He called for urgent international action to facilitate safe and timely aid delivery to Gaza and stressed that inaction would be seen as an endorsement of the ongoing violations. He reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to a dignified existence and an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with pre-1967 borders.
Lastly, Grand Mufti of the Republic, Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, condemned the Israeli blockade vehemently, aligning with the calls for humanitarian support to be restored. The collective voices from these esteemed institutions highlight the urgency for humanitarian action and the need for accountability in this ongoing crisis.
In summary, the condemnation from Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Endowments, and Dar Al-Iftaa reflects a unified stance against the Israeli government’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Emphasizing the moral and humanitarian implications, these institutions call for immediate international intervention and a commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need, especially during the sacred days of Ramadan.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
