New Delhi: A joint delegation of prominent Muslim organisations in India met with Mr. Shad Joynal Abedin, Political Counsellor of the French Embassy in India, urging France to take a concrete and meaningful role in ending the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
The delegation, representing peace and justice-loving citizens and Muslim bodies across the country, submitted a set of demands to the Government of France through the embassy.
The appeal called on France to:
1. Take a strong moral stand — Issue a public statement condemning the indiscriminate use of force in Gaza, including attacks on civilians and infrastructure, which violate international humanitarian law.
2. Support accountability — Endorse the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and support the UN General Assembly’s demand to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
3. Sever ties with Israel — Suspend military, economic, and diplomatic relations until Israel abides by international law and halts its aggression.
4. Provide humanitarian aid — Allocate significant resources to relief efforts, including funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and press for immediate humanitarian corridors to deliver essential supplies.
5. Advocate for Palestinian rights — Uphold Palestinians’ right to resist occupation and self-govern through their legitimate representatives, ensuring dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination.
The delegation included Syed Sadatullah Hussaini (National President, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), Dr. SQR Ilyas (Spokesperson, All India Muslim Personal Law Board), Maulana Mohammad Nadeem Siddiqui Salfi (President, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees, Delhi), Mohammad Shafi Madni (National Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), Adv. Anees ur Rehman (General Secretary, Students Islamic Organisation of India), and Dr. Rizwan Rafeeqi (National Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind).
The leaders expressed hope that France would demonstrate moral courage and diplomatic influence to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the crisis in Gaza.
