The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), a religious group led by important Sunni figures, has released a fatwa calling for open jihad against Israel. This comes amid the ongoing killing of Palestinians in Gaza. The group is currently headed by Ali al-Qaradaghi, who said in a statement that Muslim countries and individuals should rise against Israel and provide full support to Palestinians in military, economic and political ways.
Ali al-Qaradaghi also said, “The failure of Arab and Islamic governments to support Gaza while it is being destroyed is considered a major crime under Islamic law against our oppressed brothers in Gaza.”
The IUMS, which was previously led by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, issued a 15-point statement on Friday. The fatwa was backed by 14 other scholars. It called for all support to Israel to stop immediately. It described Israel as the “infidel enemy” for what it called the extermination of Palestinians.
Read more: Israel has Resumed War in Gaza: Why Now?
The fatwa also called for a full blockade of Israel through land, air, and sea to show real support for Gaza. Al-Qaradaghi said, “It is forbidden to sell weapons to Israel or facilitate their transport through international routes such as the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, or any other land, sea,or air means.”
The statement asked Muslim countries to cut all diplomatic and bilateral ties with Israel, including peace agreements. It told Muslim scholars who had signed treaties with Israel to reject them and join in armed resistance.
The fatwa strictly bans the supply of oil and gas to Israel. It also urges Muslims to give financial help to Palestinians as a form of jihad. A full boycott of Israeli products and of businesses that support Israel is advised. Muslim countries are also urged to withdraw their ambassadors from Israel and place sanctions to isolate it.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military continues attacking Gaza. After a fragile ceasefire in January, Israel violated it on March 18. Since then, more than 1,250 Palestinians have been killed. The Gaza Health Ministry says over 50,523 Palestinians have been killed and 114,638 injured since October 7, 2023. Many people are walking long distances to escape the attacks, including children and the elderly.
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