In a candid statement, Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari of Delhi’s Jama Masjid expressed disappointment in the Muslim world, stating that it has not lived up to its responsibilities in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The Shahi Imam urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel, seeking a resolution to the prolonged conflict.
Bukhari emphasized that the Palestinian issue has reached a critical juncture, requiring an immediate and permanent solution based on relevant resolutions from the United Nations, Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, guided by the “two-state theory.”
In his statement, the Shahi Imam lamented the perceived lack of initiative from the Muslim world, describing it as unfortunate. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi, leveraging his personal relations with the Israeli Prime Minister, would apply diplomatic pressure to bring an end to the war and address the underlying issues.
The Israel-Gaza war, now in its 86th day, has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Imam Bukhari’s call for diplomatic intervention aligns with global efforts to find a resolution to the enduring conflict.
India, earlier this month, voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the unconditional release of hostages. The resolution garnered approval from 153 nations, including India, while 10 countries, including the US, Israel, and Austria, opposed it. Additionally, 23 nations, including Argentina, Ukraine, and Germany, abstained from voting.
In October, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s longstanding policy, advocating the resumption of direct negotiations for a peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine. The MEA emphasized the need for establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders alongside Israel.
As the conflict continues to escalate, global leaders and religious figures are increasingly vocal about the urgency of finding a lasting and just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
