Urgent.. The Sheikh of Al-Azhar receives the Secretary-General of the United Nations and they discuss the latest developments in the situation in Gaza
The Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, received today, Sunday, at the Al-Azhar Sheikh, Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, accompanied by Mr. “Philippe Lazzarini” Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees “UNRWA”, and Mrs. “Elena Panova” United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Where the two parties discussed the latest developments in the situation in Gaza.
His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed Mr. António Guterres to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, praising his courageous stances in supporting the Palestinian right and supporting justice and human rights in Gaza and his clear stances to warn the world of the dangers of this aggression, and what The United Nations agency UNRWA has made great efforts towards refugees and those fleeing the fires of aggression.
His Eminence said, “We have followed your courageous steps and fair words in various international forums and the pressures and difficult situations you have been subjected to as you defend justice and Palestinian rights.” I assure you that we are in Al-Azhar Al-Sharif; Scholars, professors, students, and affiliates, we support your positions and will not abandon your support. We know very well that you feel the pain and sadness that we feel, and we have nothing but attachment to the Almighty God, and you, with your positions and the positions of people like you who are just leaders and wise men, represent a glimmer of hope for protecting the oppressed and oppressed in Gaza.”
The Sheikh of Al-Azhar confirmed that the world is moving in the wrong direction without humanitarian rules or moral controls, stressing that if the current situation continues, we will see an unprecedented spread of crime, hatred, destruction, wars, and acts of violence, and this infection will spread from conflict areas to all countries of the world, and will reach… Its impact on the West and America, and therefore we must all unite and stand in solidarity to stop the waterfall of innocent blood that is being violated at every hour.
The Sheikh of Al-Azhar stressed that what is happening in Gaza threatens to destroy the communication and rapprochement efforts that we began years ago and the attempts to bring the East and the West closer together. And the international community’s reactions to the aggression against Gaza were frustrating and disappointing from the Security Council and the international community, unlike the peoples. We have seen great fairness from the Western and American peoples, and even from some fair-minded Jews who came out to demand a halt to the aggression against Gaza.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the United Nations said, “It is a great honor for me to meet with Your Eminence and to express to you my appreciation for your constant efforts to promote peace and solidarity. You are an example to follow for all, and I would like to convey to Your Eminence our appreciation for Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as a strong, defending voice.” And in support of the Palestinian people, and our insistence on exerting pressure on the international community so that the rights of the Palestinians are respected and their suffering is reduced, yesterday I visited the Rafah crossing to send a message “It is necessary to stop the aggression and for the international community to carry out its duties through decisions and not just words. I saw on the other side of the crossing the Palestinians suffering the most from the shortage of food and drink and the spread of various types of infectious diseases. We must all shed light on this suffering and stop it immediately. It is the responsibility of all of us.”
Mr. Antonio Guterres indicated that he met yesterday with officials from a number of international institutions and organizations, and listened to many stories about what is happening in the Gaza Strip, noting that some officials told him that throughout his work and for a period of more than 25 years in In areas of conflict and wars around the world, he had never seen this scale of destruction, suffering and violence that he saw in Gaza.
Mr. Guterres stressed that Islamophobia has developed significantly, and has become one of the most widespread forms of discrimination and hatred, and this has been helped by technological development. Speaking, pointing out that the world is now witnessing the greatest state of hatred and violence ever, citing the situation in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine and various parts of Africa, saying: “I do not remember an era of time more dangerous than what we are living in now.” He stressed his continued support for justice in Gaza, and no one will be able to silence or mute his voice.
At the end of the meeting, he presented His Eminence the Grand Imam, Mr. António Guterres, with the shield of the Council of Muslim Elders; In appreciation from Al-Azhar and all the wise men of the Islamic world for its courageous stances towards the innocent Palestinians in Gaza, as well as its stances in combating Islamophobia and the phenomenon of hostility to Islam.
