These gatherings have served as a platform for the foundation to highlight critical issues facing the Islamic Ummah, particularly in relation to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This week's rally, held in Diyarbakır, drew attention to the disorganization and silence of the Muslim world in the face of the unified front presented by Israeli occupation regime and its global supporters. The event also touched on recent high-profile assassinations, changes in HAMAS leadership, and the broader challenges confronting the Islamic community.
During the rally, Dr. Sertaç Tekdal, a prominent figure in the foundation, delivered a passionate speech underscoring the significance of the various Gaza support initiatives, boycott campaigns, and aid activities that have been ongoing since the start of the conflict. Tekdal drew a parallel between these efforts and the historic "hill of archers" from the Battle of Uhud, a pivotal moment in early Islamic history where the failure to hold a strategic position led to significant losses. He suggested that the current struggles faced by Gaza's people could be seen as a test for the broader Islamic Ummah, much like the test faced by the Muslim archers at Uhud.
"Today, the courageous people of Gaza are achieving victories and carrying out operations against all odds, despite the betrayal and hypocrisy of certain factions within our own ranks," Tekdal stated. He lamented the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has resulted in untold suffering, with children, women, and innocents becoming daily casualties of what he described as "the brutal and relentless attacks by the occupying Zionists." Tekdal expressed frustration at the world's indifference to these atrocities, noting that while the people of Gaza continue to suffer, the occupiers, despite their might, are losing in the eyes of Allah and history.
Tekdal further emphasized that the resistance put forth by the people of Gaza is not just a local struggle but a defense of the entire Islamic Ummah's honor. He praised the steadfastness of Gaza's fighters, comparing them to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad who fought at the Battle of Badr, another key moment in Islamic history. "Just as the companions of Badr upheld the dignity of Islam, so too are the brave men and women of Gaza today," he said. Tekdal called on Muslims worldwide to remain vigilant and active in their support, urging them not to abandon their "archers' hill," which he equated to the various forms of support being offered to Gaza, including boycotts, public demonstrations, and other solidarity activities.
Following Tekdal's speech, Muzaffer Beber, another leading member of the foundation, delivered a press statement on behalf of the Prophet’s Lovers. He expressed profound sorrow over the disunity, conflict, and increasing materialism within the Islamic Ummah. Beber criticized the ongoing genocide in Palestine, which he said is being carried out with the "unlimited support of the evil alliance led by the United States." He warned that the Zionist threat is expanding, with the occupation regime's aggression spreading beyond Gaza to include the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Beber highlighted the growing military presence of the U.S.-led coalition in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, describing it as a preparation for further atrocities in support of the occupation regime. "While the forces of disbelief are acting as one nation, the disunity and internal strife within the Islamic Ummah are deeply painful," Beber remarked. He questioned the faith of those Muslims who remain passive while their brothers and sisters in Gaza are being slaughtered, echoing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who emphasized the importance of solidarity among Muslims.
In a poignant critique, Beber questioned the whereabouts of the brotherhood that Prophet Muhammad likened to the parts of a body. He lamented that despite the staggering number of martyrs in Gaza, the Islamic Ummah has yet to rise in a meaningful way. Beber called on the leaders and people of Muslim-majority countries to reflect deeply on their faith if they continue to remain inactive.
Turning to the broader geopolitical implications, Beber warned that the ultimate goal of the U.S.-led coalition and its Zionist allies is not merely to protect the occupation regime but to further their imperialist ambitions by redrawing the map of the Middle East. He suggested that the alliance aims to dismember certain countries and establish new puppet regimes that would serve their interests. Beber pointed to the assassinations of key resistance leaders in recent weeks as part of this broader strategy, noting that these acts have severely impacted ongoing ceasefire talks and heightened the risk of a wider conflict.
In closing, Beber called for the urgent formation of new military alliances among Islamic countries to counter Zionist and imperialist expansionism. He argued that relying on Western institutions for protection is futile and that the resistance should instead focus on uniting the Islamic Ummah against their common enemies. Beber also congratulated Yahya Sinwar on his recent election as the new leader of HAMAS following the martyrdom of Ismail Heniyye. He expressed confidence that Sinwar, who has spent much of his life in resistance, will lead the movement to victory and continue the struggle against Israeli occupation.
"We call on every individual, institution, and state that strives to stop the genocide in Palestine to intensify their efforts," Beber concluded. He reiterated his congratulations to Sinwar, praying for his success and the ultimate victory of the cause he represents. (ILKHA)