Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-F, held a meeting with Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal in Qatar on Sunday amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the religious-political party, Aslam Ghauri, a detailed discussion on the Palestine issue took place during the meeting.
The health ministry in Gaza reported that as of Sunday, at least 9,770 people have lost their lives in the Palestinian territory since the conflict with Israel began last month. The ministry also noted that among the casualties, at least 4,800 were children. Israel’s actions in response to attacks by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, which Israeli officials claim killed over 1,400, most of them civilians, initiated this latest wave of violence.
A delegation led by the JUI-F chief arrived in Qatar on Saturday, with reports suggesting that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would also visit Turkey. Details of his visit have been kept secret for security reasons. He was expected to meet with government officials in both Qatar and Turkey and push for a ceasefire. Rehman’s visit was planned to last a week, with his return scheduled for November 11. There was also a possibility of him visiting Gaza refugee camps in Lebanon or Turkey.
This visit to Gaza occurred shortly after Rehman addressed a solidarity rally named ‘Toofan-e-Aqsa’ in Karachi to show support for the people of Palestine. During the rally, Rehman expressed concerns about Israel’s attempts to change the status quo in Palestine and oppress the Palestinians.
He criticized advocates of developed countries for their involvement in the conflict, referring to their “blood-stained hands of innocent children and women.” Rehman stressed that the Palestinians were not just fighting for their land but also for the freedom of Al-Aqsa Mosque, representing the duty of the Muslim Ummah. He called for the Muslim Ummah to unite and stand with their Palestinian brothers.
During the meeting, Rehman offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, assuring them of his party’s support. Hamas leader Haniyeh emphasized the responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to unite against Israeli injustices, mentioning that countries advocating for human rights were sending weapons to Tel Aviv-Yafo.
He praised Rehman for his role as Pakistan’s ambassador to Palestine. Former Hamas head Khaled Mashal also noted the significance of Kashmir and Palestine as litmus tests for human rights advocates.
Haniyeh and Mashal conveyed their gratitude to the people of Pakistan and the JUI workers for their support for the Palestinian cause. Rehman concluded the meeting with prayers for the martyrs and the swift recovery of the wounded. The meeting was attended by JUI-F Sindh Secretary General Maulana Rashid Mahmood Soomro and Mufti Abrar Ahmed.
