World Union of Muslim Scholars Chairman Karadaghi: The Islamic World is Divided into Three on the Issue of Palestine
At the headquarters of the World Union of Muslim Scholars in Doha, Qatar, Chairman Karadaghi gave an assessment of the first year of Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Karadaghi stated that the world remains passive in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, with the West, particularly the United States, offering unwavering support to Israel.
He emphasized that the U.S. provides unconditional backing to Israel under the pretext of self-defense, but highlighted that the Islamic world has not united over the Palestinian issue. He said, “Unfortunately, the Islamic world has split into three factions during this crisis. The first group remained silent, as if these massacres and attacks never occurred. The second group, while silent, actively supported Israel in various ways—both economically and politically. The third group, comprised of a few states such as Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia, Algeria, and Kuwait, stood with the Palestinians. However, this was insufficient to halt Israel’s actions. The killings and destruction have continued.”
He continued, “Neither history nor humanity has ever witnessed such destruction and genocide before.”
Karadaghi pointed out that a full year had passed since Israel began its offensive in Gaza, with daily casualties ranging from 50 to 100 martyrs or wounded. He said, “Zionists are occupying our lands and homes. This year, we have seen horrific massacres in the true sense of the word. Mosques, hospitals, schools, and universities have been destroyed. Gaza’s infrastructure has been completely annihilated. Neither history nor humanity has seen such devastation.”
Karadaghi described the year as one of “sorrow” and noted that Israeli attacks were not confined to Gaza but extended to the West Bank and Lebanon. He also mentioned increased Israeli pressure on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He lamented, “Unfortunately, none of this has brought Muslims together. More than 50 Islamic countries have done nothing. They have failed to stop Israel, just as they have failed to stop the tears of the oppressed.”
“We Thank the Turkish State and Nation for Their Moral and Historical Stance”
Karadaghi acknowledged Turkey’s historical and moral responsibility regarding Palestine and praised its efforts to stop Israel. However, he expressed regret that the lack of unity among Muslim nations left Turkey isolated in its stance. “As the World Union of Muslim Scholars, we appreciate Turkey’s position and thank the Turkish government, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Turkish people for their moral and historical stance. This is an extension of Sultan Abdulhamid’s legacy, who strictly forbade the surrender of even a single inch of Palestinian land.”
“Arab and Islamic Countries Could Have Imposed an Oil and Gas Embargo”
Karadaghi criticized Muslim countries for not taking concrete steps against the genocide, suggesting that an oil and gas embargo, similar to what Saudi King Faisal bin Abdulaziz did in 1973, could have been implemented. “This would have been very effective, especially now when the West is at war with Russia and is seeking alternatives to Russian energy. Unfortunately, this has not happened.”
He added that another potential measure could have been severing diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, as Turkey has done.
Karadaghi also highlighted that the World Union of Muslim Scholars has issued numerous fatwas and statements urging support for Gaza. He called for a major international conference on the issue and said that he had presented this proposal to both President Erdoğan and the President of Malaysia. The summit, he suggested, should include all leaders opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He further emphasized the importance of sending humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea.
A Call to Muslim Countries
Karadaghi concluded by appealing to Muslim leaders and their citizens, urging them to take action:
“I call on all Muslims on behalf of Gaza. I call on the leaders of Islamic countries and Muslim communities. It is their duty to do everything possible to stop this cruelty. Every leader is accountable for their actions, and according to Islamic law, they are obliged to act.”
