Egypt’s Religious Institutions Denounce Israel’s Blockade on Gaza Aid
Egypt’s leading religious institutions, including Al-Azhar, condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza. They criticized the blockade’s impact on civilians, especially during Ramadan, urging Islamic governments to act diplomatically. Officials emphasized the necessity for immediate aid access and accountability for Israeli actions, characterizing the blockade as a humanitarian crime violating international principles.
On March 4, 2025, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, and Dar Al-Iftaa condemned the Israeli government’s decision to stop humanitarian aid from reaching the Gaza Strip. Al-Azhar, a prominent Sunni Islamic institution, criticized the Israeli forces for preventing aid convoys from entering Gaza and highlighted the devastating impact this has on civilians, particularly in view of the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
The statement from Al-Azhar accused Israeli authorities of showing a blatant disregard for human dignity and compassion by denying essential food and supplies to needy families during Ramadan, a sacred period for fasting Muslims. It condemned the misuse of religious observances as a method to intensify suffering.
Emphasizing the seriousness of these actions, Al-Azhar asserted that depriving fasting individuals of sustenance is a grave violation of Islamic principles, which advocate for justice and retribution against oppressors. The institution urged global Islamic leaders to coordinate diplomatic efforts to lift the blockade on Gaza, especially during this holy time.
The Israeli Prime Minister recently announced an immediate cessation of humanitarian aid as part of a temporary extension of a ceasefire agreement, yet this has raised significant concerns. Israeli actions are perceived as an attempt to further entrench its position in the region, forcing Palestinians into dire circumstances.
Osama Al-Azhari, Egypt’s Minister of Endowments, also vehemently denounced the Israeli blockade, calling it a serious breach of international law and emphasizing its effects on the Palestinian population during Ramadan. He noted that blocking vital supplies constitutes a humanitarian crime and highlighted the suffering endured by vulnerable groups in conflict.
In his address, he called for urgent international intervention to ensure safe access for humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned that inaction would imply complicity in these violations. He insisted on the Palestinians’ right to live in dignity and pursue statehood based on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as their capital.
Moreover, Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, expressed his strong condemnation of Israel’s actions regarding humanitarian aid, reinforcing the necessity for accountability and respecting international humanitarian conventions.
In conclusion, the statements by Al-Azhar and Egyptian officials underscore a unified call for an end to the blockade on Gaza, heightened international awareness, and immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian populace.
The collective condemnation from Al-Azhar, the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, and other Islamic authorities reflects a strong stance against the Israeli blockade on Gaza. They have emphatically called for an end to these actions, citing humanitarian violations and urging the international community to intervene. The pleas made during this holy month of Ramadan highlight the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
