The tragic events in the Middle East have had a direct impact on our Muslim populations throughout Europe. The deterioration of the conditions there has now started threatening our societal peace and daily lives. Since each one of us has a duty to play in maintaining societal harmony, the Council of European Muslims urges everyone to stop using any language or taking any actions that incite hatred against anyone. We reject all hateful deeds and statements from all sides. Like all Muslims around the world, the Muslim population in Europe has a special bond with Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Hence, it would be incorrect to criminalize the feelings of sympathy that they have for the Al-Aqsa cause and their support for any of the Palestinian factions or components, especially after the recent multiple attacks on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation. We believe that today’s top priority is harnessing all efforts to stop the ongoing tragedy and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the surrounding areas. The longer this tragedy lasts, the more intense the situation will get.
To limit the repercussions of this tragedy in the Gaza Strip in particular, our urgent appeal is to make way for humanitarian relief convoys to reach Gaza and operate under international protection. The failure of the international community to implement international resolutions in the past contributed to the closing of horizons and the deterioration of the situation, making it responsible for the actual situation.
We therefore urge the European Union and the European governments to urgently take action to resolve this conflict justly and permanently, starting with the implementation of international resolutions. Muslims in Europe are urged to support the rights of the Palestinian people in ways that do not breach the existing laws and regulations, making sure to express their opinions in a civilized way. In the same vein, we express our concern over the restrictions on the right of free speech and the divergent viewpoints and analyses that some European nations are saying.
Council of European Muslims
12th October 2023