ISLAMABAD: The National Palestine Conference (NPC), held on Thursday in Islamabad, made a passionate plea for united action by Muslim-majority countries in response to Israel’s continued assault on Gaza, which global human rights bodies have categorized as genocidal.
Organized by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), the conference issued a collective declaration denouncing the brutal Israeli military operations in Gaza, backed by unwavering U.S. support. Speakers revealed staggering figures — over 55,000 Palestinians have been martyred, including countless women, children, and the elderly, while another 200,000 have suffered injuries.
The event condemned the large-scale destruction of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential neighborhoods, insisting the devastation is far beyond warfare — it is a systematic genocide.
In a powerful show of solidarity, the conference declared the upcoming Friday as the “Day of the Oppressed and Detained Palestinians”, calling for widespread mobilization across the Muslim world to demand meaningful governmental action against Israel’s occupation.
The declaration further criticized the United Nations Security Council for its repeated failure to take decisive steps, and strongly rebuked the United States for vetoing resolutions intended to halt the violence and address the humanitarian crisis.
Mufti Taqi Usmani Calls for Action Beyond Words
Speaking at the event, Grand Mufti of Pakistan, Mufti Taqi Usmani, expressed frustration over the global silence. He stated that conferences and statements alone were insufficient, urging for practical measures to aid the besieged Palestinian population.
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Mufti Usmani described Israel’s aggression as state terrorism, criticizing its deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians in Gaza. He emphasized that jihad — both in principle and practice — is a duty upon Muslim governments in light of these atrocities, while calling for a complete boycott of Israeli goods and companies that support its war efforts.
He did not shy away from condemning international institutions, branding the United Nations as subservient to U.S. and Israeli interests. Mufti Usmani also blasted the U.S. Secretary of State’s statement suggesting unconditional support for Israel, regardless of Palestinian casualties.
“Despite ceasefire claims, Gaza continues to burn. The Ummah’s silence is heartbreaking. If our armies will not stand for Palestine, what are they for?” Mufti Usmani asked.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s historic stance against Israel, quoting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had labeled the Zionist state an “illegitimate child.”
Fazlur Rehman Demands Muslim Unity and Resistance
JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also addressed the gathering, calling upon Muslim leaders globally to rise above political affiliations and stand firmly with the people of Palestine. He highlighted that the defense of Masjid Al-Aqsa, Islam’s first Qibla, is not just a religious obligation but a collective moral duty.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that jihad is a responsibility shared by the entire Islamic world, not just Pakistan. He painted a vivid picture of Israel’s violent history, from its formation in 1948 to its ongoing crimes in Gaza.
He debunked historical distortions, asserting that in 1917, Jews constituted merely 2% of Palestine’s population, with Muslims owning 98% of the land. Even by 1947, the overwhelming majority of the land remained in Palestinian hands.
“No Palestinian willingly gave up their land. It was taken by force, under colonial influence,” he said, urging the public to educate themselves on historical truths.
Fazlur Rehman also expressed disdain over Pakistan’s economic dependence on Western nations, especially the United States.
“I reject any economy that survives on the mercy of the same forces responsible for the suffering in Gaza,” he said, drawing parallels to the resilience shown by early Muslims in facing adversity.
He denounced the Pakistani government’s muted response to the Gaza tragedy, calling it a betrayal of the vision laid out by the country’s founders. To further galvanize support, he announced a “Million March for Palestine” in Karachi, demanding immediate governmental action.