Istanbul: An eight-day international conference on Gaza opened on Friday at Istanbul's historic Eyup Sultan Mosque, bringing together more than 150 Muslim scholars from over 50 countries to discuss Israel's "genocidal war" and the Islamic world's humanitarian responsibilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the conference, titled "Islamic and Humanitarian Responsibility: Gaza," is organized by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the Foundation for Islamic Scholars in Trkiye. The gathering began with Friday prayers at Eyup Sultan and a press conference featuring speeches from leading religious figures.
A statement handed out to Anadolu before the press conference indicated that the event aims to mobilize the Islamic world and the international community to halt the attacks, open humanitarian corridors, and ensure aid reaches Gaza's people. It also emphasizes the need for an "Islamic alliance" to counter what it calls genocide, racism, and expansionist ambitions. The statement further highlights the importance of reviving the spirit of the Hilfu'l-Fudul (Pact of Virtues) to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable.
Other goals include forming delegations to meet state leaders, establishing a permanent follow-up body to implement conference decisions, and sending a message of solidarity to Gaza.
Ali Erbas, head of Trkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), condemned Israel's assault on Gaza, describing it as "a terrorist network, a herd of bandits, a wild and perverse gang . carrying out brutality against brutality." He emphasized that peace in Palestine is crucial for global peace. IUMS President Ali Muhyiddin al-Qaradaghi urged Muslim and Arab nations to see Gaza's plight as their own, warning that Israel's expansionist project threatens the entire region.
Eymen Zeydan, head of the International Jerusalem Institution's Trkiye branch, described the conflict as "one of the greatest catastrophes in modern history," accusing Israel of committing genocide against the people of Gaza. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation, where a government openly implements a plan to annihilate an entire population, targeting places of worship, hospitals, and schools.
Professor Nasrullah Haci Muftuoglu, president of the Islamic Scholars Foundation, announced that the weeklong program will feature 18 sessions addressing Gaza, Jerusalem, and the wider Palestinian struggle. He stressed that sanctions and boycotts against Israel are priorities grounded in Sharia laws and international humanitarian principles.
The conference will continue until August 29, concluding at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque with the issuance of the "Istanbul Declaration," which organizers claim will outline concrete steps for political, humanitarian, and legal action in support of Palestinians.