This year's gathering, held under the theme “The Aqsa Flood, the Ummah, and the Ulema's Responsibility: Gaza, the Honor of the Ummah”, focused on the ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, particularly in light of the recent events surrounding the Operation Aqsa Flood.

The meeting attracted participation from prominent Islamic scholars hailing from various countries, including Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Palestine, Egypt, Afghanistan, Qatar, Sudan, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey. Throughout the sessions, the speakers reflected on the significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Zionist occupation of Palestine, and the role of the Muslim world in confronting the ongoing aggression.

Among the highlights of the meeting was a presentation by Palestinian academic Dr. Abdullah Maruf, who delivered a powerful address titled “The Future of the Zionist Project in the Light of the Aqsa Flood.” His remarks delved into the evolution of the Zionist regime and its implications for the future of the Palestinian cause.

Dr. Maruf outlined three distinct phases in the development of the Zionist entity. According to him, the initial phase, which began with the establishment of Israel, was dominated by secular leftist powers. "The power that established this entity had little to do with Judaism," he stated, explaining that many of the founders were atheists or secularists who viewed Judaism as a race rather than a religion.

The second phase, which emerged in the 1970s, marked a shift toward right-wing and racist ideologies within Israel's political landscape. This period, according to Maruf, saw the growth of a government that prioritized ethnic and nationalist agendas, moving away from European-style secularism.

The third and current phase, which began after the Sabra and Shatila massacre, has been characterized by a more radical Zionist movement, intertwining religious and nationalist fervor. "Now we see a movement that merges Zionism with a specific form of Judaism," Maruf explained. "This is no longer the secular, leftist Israel of the past 76 years."

Dr. Maruf emphasized the growing influence of religious zealotry within the Zionist movement, particularly in the rhetoric and actions of Israeli leaders. He pointed to the rise of figures like Jewish rabbi Meir Kahane, who advocated for a state governed by Jewish religious laws. This shift, Maruf warned, poses a significant danger, as it transforms the Zionist project into a messianic mission. "They now see Al-Aqsa Mosque not just as a political or territorial issue but as a religious obligation."

This increasingly theocratic trend has led Israeli leaders to take bold and aggressive steps, including crossing red lines in their treatment of religious sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to Maruf, these actions are driven by a belief that Israel is fulfilling divine promises outlined in the Torah. "They view themselves as the embodiment of God's power on Earth," he remarked.

Despite the growing strength of this religious-nationalist ideology, Maruf argued that the Zionist regime is showing signs of internal collapse. He pointed to the current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has become increasingly isolated both domestically and internationally. "Netanyahu's government represents a new trend—one that is more committed to violence and exclusion than ever before."

Maruf predicted that Israel will either become a state ruled by religious law, with rabbis wielding significant power, or it will split into factions as leftist and right-wing groups clash. "This government is crossing all borders, both politically and ideologically," he said, adding that this could lead to the regime's eventual downfall.

Maruf concluded his address by expressing hope for the future, noting that the Aqsa Flood represents a significant turning point in the struggle against the Zionist occupation. He called the movement a "blessed operation" that would serve as a critical blow to the Zionist regime. "This will, inshallah, be a nail in the heart of the occupation and will give Islam and Muslims a deep breath."

The academic also urged Muslims worldwide to remain steadfast in their support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not only a matter for Palestinians but for the entire Ummah. "We will be both witnesses and shareholders in the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said, calling on Muslims to actively engage in the struggle for justice.

Throughout the 9th Meeting of Scholars, the participants echoed Dr. Maruf's call to action, emphasizing the responsibility of the Muslim Ummah and its scholars (ulema) in supporting the Palestinian people. The meeting concluded with a collective declaration reaffirming the need for continued solidarity with Gaza and Al-Aqsa Mosque, urging Muslims to take concrete steps to counter the Zionist occupation.

As the gathering came to a close, it was clear that the scholars in attendance viewed the Operation Aqsa Flood not only as a pivotal event in the Palestinian struggle but as part of a broader, historical jihad that has been waged for centuries. For these scholars, the fight for justice in Palestine is far from over, and the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a central goal for Muslims around the world. (ILKHA)