By Mumtaz Alam, IndiaTomorrow.net,
New Delhi, 13 July 2014: Eminent Muslim leaders and groups have strongly condemned Israeli bombings on Gaza Strip of Palestine killing over hundred civilians including women and children. The last couple of days have witnessed several protest demonstrations outside Israeli Embassy in New Delhi against the killing of Gazans.
All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, the apex body of Indian Muslim organisations, condemned the continuing Israeli air strikes on the people of Gaza Strip who are already reeling under the Israeli blockade since 2006.
“As of today, the Israelis have killed 166 Palestinians including women and children and injured 1100 persons in addition to causing incalculable damage to the Strip’s infrastructure and populated areas, flattening hundreds of houses in a relentless war started a week ago by the Israelis using the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli soldiers although it is yet to be decided who committed that crime,” said Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, President of Mushawarat and veteran journalist who is an expert on Middle East and West Asia affairs.
Dr. Khan who is also Editor of English fortnightly The Milli Gazette lamented the cold reaction of Arab nations over the Israeli aggression.
“It is lamentable that the Arab countries, especially Egypt, have failed to stop the Israeli aggression…it is the third Israeli war on the people of Gaza Strip since 2006 when it started its illegal blockade after Hamas came to power through a fair election. It is the duty of the Arab countries and human rights organisations to take Israel to the World Court of Justice…,” said Dr. Khan
Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Omari, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, India’s esteemed socio-religious organisation, also condemned Israeli air strikes on Gaza and demanded United Nations to ask Israel to stop attacks on Palestinians.
“When not only Palestine but the entire Muslim World is engaged in prayers of Ramadan, the Israeli bombings on Palestine – the land of Prophets – and killing of innocents are hurting not only Palestinians but the entire Muslim Ummah across the globe,” said Maulana Omari in a media statement.
He asked Muslim nations to help Palestinians at this difficult time as it is “their religious and moral duty which they should not forget.”
He also demanded India government to continue its old policy to support Palestine cause.
Protests outside Israeli Embassy in New Delhi
Meanwhile, rights activists and groups are holding protest demonstrations outside the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi against the Gaza killings.
Members of Popular Front of India demonstrating in New Delhi on 12 July 2014 against Gaza killings
Today scores of youths, activists and academicians gathered outside the Embassy of Israel and protested against Israeli bombings on Gaza which have left over hundred people dead in last couple of days. The demonstrators under the banner of ‘Indian People in Solidarity with Gaza’ expressed their anger against Israel and showed their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Yesterday members of Popular Front of India, in a show of protest against Gaza killings, marched towards the Israeli Embassy. The demonstrators condemned international community and United Nations for ‘silently’ watching the attacks.
Tomorrow (14 July), some civil rights groups including NAPM and RYA have announced to hold similar protest demonstration outside the Israeli Embassy.
—
Follow the writer on Twitter @MumtazAlam1978
