The Palestinian Crisis  and its Solution

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The Palestinian Crisis and its Solution

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ABU DHABI:The recent inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights an interesting irony. This grand temple stands in the Muslim-majority UAE, where secularization is on the rise. This event comes shortly after the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India. While Modi’s government in India blurs the lines between the state and Hindu faith and undermines minority rights, the UAE moves in the opposite direction. The UAE’s secularization, influencing Saudi Arabia as well, is a significant development in the Islamic world. This shift challenges India’s secular values. The UAE has attracted people of various religions and backgrounds to live and work there. Despite Islam being the official religion, the government allows diverse religious practices. Non-Muslims, forming a quarter of the population, have space to worship freely, with many churches, a synagogue, and a gurdwara present. Hindu gatherings and celebrations are also welcomed. The UAE’s tolerance extends beyond religion. Alcohol and pork are available, and Ramadan fasting rules are relaxed. Women have freedom in dress, and discrimination based on religion is rare. These progressive attitudes influence neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is spearheading modernization efforts by reducing Islamic influence and cutting support for radical groups worldwide. This trend towards secularization in the UAE and potentially Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the Islamic world. For India, reduced Saudi funding for conservative mosques could lead to a return to moderate religious guidance for Indian Muslims. The UAE’s example challenges the Hindu nationalist dream of a Hindu majoritarian state, often compared to Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslims. Modi, at the temple inauguration, praised the UAE’s diversity, contrasting India’s fading secularism. As Hindu residents in UAE face this contrast, it prompts reflection on India’s trajectory. The writer, a private equity investor, emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and secular values in both countries.

Karnataka Federation of organizations and Religious heads met recently in Bangalore to discuss the ongoing Palestine Crises and its Solutions.

Palestine is engulfed by the flames of a devastating war yet again. The relentless bombing of a narrow strip of land, home to about 2.3 million impoverished people who were already living in conditions like an open jail has resulted in unprecedented loss of life, limband property. Within a week Gaza was pummelled with ammunition equivalent to what was dropped by NATO on Afghanistan in a whole year. As a result, nearly half of Gaza strip has been reduced to rubble, 6000 people including 2800 children and scores of women have been martyred and nearly 16000 people are injured. 31 mosques, 4 churches, several schools and hospitals have been targeted.

Added to this is the total blockade of food, water, fuel, electricity and medicines, which has shamed humanity on this brazen collective punishment. The whole world is witnessing never seen before angry huge protests on this barbarity and savagery by Israel. The root cause of this problem is the occupation of Palestine by Israel 75 years ago. The original inhabitants, Palestinian Arabs, who lived there for more than 2500 years have been continuously oppressed and evicted from their homeland. Israel has practiced a policy of expansion, violent evictions, settlements, apartheid, racism, and genocide ever since. The holy Shrine, Al-Quds, in Jerusalem has been defiled now and then. Israel aims to pursue its objective of greater Israel by annexing Palestinian territory and lands from adjacent countries in open contravention to International law, justice and UN Resolutions.

Hence the real problem is occupation and not resistance. There is a need for the international community especially the Muslim countries to come together and create sustained pressure to put an end to this injustice and oppression. Immediate Ceasefire, lifting of siege, providing humanitarian relief and restoring basic amenities, protection to civilians, respect for International law, negotiations should happen without delay. The establishment of Independent Palestinian state and putting an end to the injustice and aggression is the only way for a lasting peace. India has followed a long-term policy of supporting the Palestinian cause and upholding human rights. Our country should play the role of mediator in finding a lasting solution to this issue in accordance with UN resolutions and International Law. The dispatch of relief consignments to the grief stricken victims in Gaza is a welcome step. To stand up and support the victims and oppose the oppressor is a fundamental democratic right of citizens which must be protected a heeded. Addressed by: Dr. Belgami Mohammed Saad, President JIH Karnataka Advocate B T Venkatesh, REACH Lawyers, Moulana Maqsood Imran Rashadi, Imam City Jamia Masjid Moulana Iftekhar Qasmi, President Jamiatul Ulama Karnataka Mr. Akbar Ali, Mass Medi.

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