Egypt’s Islamic institutions have strongly condemned the Israeli government’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing its inhumane impact during Ramadan. Al-Azhar and the Egyptian Minister of Endowments criticized this blockade as a violation of human rights, urging immediate international action to facilitate aid delivery. The tension continues amidst the recent ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
On March 4, 2025, prominent Islamic institutions in Egypt, including Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Ministry of Endowments, condemned the Israeli government’s recent decision to obstruct humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and close relevant crossings. Al-Azhar denounced the actions of Israeli forces, highlighting the injustice faced by innocent civilians, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
The institution reiterated that denying food and basic necessities constitutes a grave violation of Islamic principles, as it disregards human dignity. Al-Azhar also condemned the inaction of entities that can intervene and halt these crimes, calling on Islamic countries to utilize their political influence to end the siege on Gaza, particularly during Ramadan.
Moreover, Osama Al-Azhari, the Egyptian Minister of Endowments, criticized the Israeli blockade as a flagrant violation of international laws. He noted that such actions escalate the suffering of Palestinians and could lead to humanitarian crises, especially for women, children, and the elderly. Al-Azhari urged international bodies to pressure Israel to allow the timely delivery of aid to Gaza.
Grand Mufti Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad also expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli government’s decision, emphasizing its inhumane impact on the Palestinian population. He joined calls for global accountability and collective action to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in dire need in Gaza, asserting that violations of human rights during conflict must be addressed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the suspension of aid into Gaza coinciding with the expiration of a Hamas-Israeli ceasefire agreement. However, they granted a temporary extension of the ceasefire for an additional six weeks, aligning with the observance of both Ramadan and Pesach. The tension surrounding this situation highlights ongoing conflicts and humanitarian challenges faced by civilians in the region.
The statements from Al-Azhar and Egyptian officials reflect a unified condemnation of the Israeli blockade on Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian repercussions during Ramadan. The call for international intervention emphasizes the urgency of addressing the crisis. The situation underscores the broader implications of political actions on civilian populations and the necessity of humanitarian support in conflict areas.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com