New Delhi: Leading Indian Muslim organisations, religious scholars, and civil society groups convened a press conference today at the Press Club of India and issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. They called upon the Government of India to play a more assertive and morally courageous role in halting Israel’s ongoing aggression.
Addressing the media, the leaders described the situation in Gaza as an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster,” warning that famine is now an imminent and devastating threat.
“Gaza is starving. Not acting at this point would be a historic crime,” they declared.
They highlighted that with humanitarian aid blocked and Gaza’s infrastructure decimated, over two million residents are facing mass starvation, a collapse of medical systems, and a complete breakdown of essential services.
“Over 90% of hospitals and healthcare centres are bombed or non-functional. Entire neighbourhoods have been erased. Families are surviving on scraps. Newborns are dying in incubators for lack of fuel. Doctors are performing surgeries without anaesthesia. Every fundamental human system – health, education, nutrition, sanitation – has collapsed. This is not self-defence; it is the systematic annihilation of a people.”
The leaders acknowledged India’s recent position at the United Nations, where its Permanent Representative called for a ceasefire and emphasised the humanitarian emergency.
“We welcome our country’s recent statement at the UN General Assembly reaffirming our commitment to an independent Palestinian state and the call for an immediate ceasefire. It is a positive step.” However, they strongly urged the Indian government to go beyond expressions of concern and step into a role of global moral leadership. “India must denounce the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, the targeting of hospitals and schools, and the collective punishment of an entire population. Words matter, but actions matter more. India has both the historical standing and the diplomatic weight to lead the international community in calling out this genocide and holding war criminals accountable.”
They also called for the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors, and for India to suspend all military and strategic cooperation with Israel until the aggression ceases.
“India has a proud legacy of standing with the oppressed. We must honour that legacy now by acting decisively. Silence and neutrality are not options when genocide is unfolding before our eyes.”
The leaders appealed to the Indian public to remain aware and engaged. “Palestine is not merely a Muslim concern. It is a humanitarian concern – a matter of universal justice and human dignity. We urge students, civil society, faith leaders, academics, and all conscientious citizens to raise their voices – through protests, awareness campaigns, interfaith dialogues, and scholarly discourse. Gaza must not be forgotten.”
They also expressed concern over reports of incidents in some areas where solidarity with Palestine is being criminalized or suppressed, stating: “Support for Palestine is not extremism. It is a defence of international law, of basic human rights, and of the very values enshrined in our Constitution. Citizens must be free to express their conscience without intimidation or fear.”
The statement included a sharp appeal to the leadership of Muslim-majority countries:
“We urge Muslim countries to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, and to form a united front demanding an end to this barbarism.”
The conference concluded with a strong call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and the urgent establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow the flow of food, water, fuel, and medical aid to the besieged civilians of Gaza.
The Press Conference was addressed by the top leadership of All India Muslim Personal Law board, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Students Islamic Organisation of India and other prominent Muslim Scholars.
