Urgent Call for Ceasefire

Dear Honorable Members, Fellow Academics, and Concerned Individuals,

I write to you today as the President of the Muslim Lecturers Association to express our deep and heartfelt concern over the devastating situation in Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the occupied territories of East Jerusalem and Ramallah, West Bank. In particular, we are gravely alarmed by the recent airstrike on the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, which has resulted in the tragic loss of over 500 innocent lives, including women, children, and entire families, bringing the total number of Palestinians who have lost their lives to over 3,500.

This appalling act of violence is a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis in the region. It is a stark reflection of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who have faced hardships and violence for far too long. We cannot, and must not, remain silent in the face of such a grave humanitarian tragedy.

The Muslim Lecturers Association stands in unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. We vehemently condemn the escalating violence and the potential consequences of a genocide that the Israeli government seems to be gravitating towards. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that even basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity have been denied to the innocent population. The attack on people seeking shelter in hospitals, in the very places where they should be safe, is a grievous violation of human rights and international law.

Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that the Biden administration in the United States, along with the governments of Britain and France, has pledged support to the Israeli government in its aggressive actions. This support is unexpected from governments that claim to be democratic and to respect international laws. We call on these governments to rescind their political positions and to demonstrate a commitment to humanity by condemning the occupation and disregard for human rights.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that more than 500 people died in the Israeli airstrike on the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. The indiscriminate bombing in Gaza is a crime against humanity, and the support by Western powers for these actions is equally troubling. It is inconceivable that the Israeli government would label its actions as self-defense while it possesses sophisticated weaponry and artillery supplied by the U.S. government, claiming to defend itself against the people of Gaza, who have been trapped in the largest open prison in the world.

We urgently call for an immediate ceasefire from the Israeli government, as well as a cessation of hostilities from all parties involved in the conflict. We implore the United Nations and the international community to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and the perpetuation of this inhumane situation. The ongoing atrocities are nothing short of a crime against humanity, and they demand swift and comprehensive intervention to safeguard the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people.

This conflict, which has now entered its 11th day, is a stark manifestation of the long-standing occupation of Palestinian land and the suffering it has caused for several years. We have watched with deep concern as the situation has deteriorated, and the attack on the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, 17th October cannot be ignored.

In these trying times, we must stand together, raise our voices, and take collective action. It is our moral and ethical duty to advocate for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights. The Muslim Lecturers Association calls on all people of conscience to join us in condemning the violence, promoting a ceasefire, and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian people in dire need.

We hope for a swift resolution to this crisis, one that brings an end to the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and paves the way for a just and lasting peace in the region.

Sincerely,

Prof. Ahmed Adedeji
President, Muslim Lecturers Association
Phone – 08055135819
Email – ahmedade57@gmail.com

17th October 2023.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE