British Muslim leaders urge Israel respect International law

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – 15 diverse British Muslim Faith Leaders urged Israel to act “with restraint and within boundaries of international law” and appealed to the international community to pursue diplomatic and political avenues to peace.

 According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 3,500 Palestinians have been killed including 1,300 children and 12,500 injured in Israeli strikes in Gaza Strip.

According to the Israeli army, 1,400 Israelis have been killed inluding 302 soldiers by military wing of Hamas, Izz al-Din al-Qassam.

According to the WHO, Israel has carried out attacks on 57 health care facilities and 23 Ambulances since October 7 in Gaza Strip. 

 Statement by British Muslim Faith Leaders reads:“We, the undersigned British Muslims, unequivocally condemn the killing of civilians in Israel and Gaza. As we watch the heart-wrenching scenes of Al Ahli Arab Hospital burning, we are reminded that the killing and destruction against innocent men, women and children is deplorable and is contrary to the principles of justice and humanity that we hold dear in our faith.

We denounce Hamas’ killing and abduction of innocent people on the 7th of October 2023 as well as the Israeli military’s subsequent use of excessive force.

British Muslim Faith Leaders called on the complete siege on Gaza has resulted in immense suffering and recent actions are intensifying a humanitarian crisis of untold proportions upon Palestinians, who are not responsible for the actions of Hamas.

They also appeal to the international community to pursue diplomatic and political avenues to peace. The current crisis has shown the failure of international initiatives, but it is surely only through diplomacy that we can achieve lasting peace in the Holy Land. We call for an end to all hostilities and urge our government to urgently step up efforts to ensure international humanitarian law and human rights are upheld, and to negotiate a ceasefire that can stop the further killing of innocent people.

They also utterly condemn all acts of Antisemitism or Islamophobia that have taken place on our streets here in Britain. No-one should feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods and in this country. Mutual respect and dialogue between Muslim and Jewish communities at home and abroad, along with a shared commitment to peace, justice, and the safety of all communities are ever more important.

British Muslim Faith Leaders also affirm the right of communities across the country to show their solidarity and support for both Palestinians and Israelis caught up in this conflict, in line with British laws surrounding freedom of speech and protest.

We pray for peace and justice and for an end to this cyclical conflict.”