Israel-Hamas war ‘a tragedy that pains our hearts’, says Muslim community

Muslims in Bristol have said they “unequivocally condemn the ongoing violence in Gaza and Palestine” as war continues to rage in Israel.

Bristol Sunni Forum, which represents a collective of Sunni mosques in the city, called the loss of “innocent” lives in Gaza, Palestine and Israel “a tragedy that pains our hearts”.

“We believe in the sanctity of every life and the fundamental human right to live in peace and safety,” they said.

“The indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians only exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

The statement came as Israel’s military has bombed Gaza for more than two weeks in a relentless assault in retaliation for Hamas’s onslaught on October 7.

Protests, vigils and marches in support of Palestine and Israel have taken place in Bristol since the conflict erupted

Here is the statement in full:

“Bristol Sunni Forum, representing a collective of Sunni mosques in our culturally and religiously diverse city, unequivocally condemns the ongoing violence in Gaza and Palestine.

“The loss of innocent lives, whether in Gaza, Palestine, or Israel, is a tragedy that pains our hearts.

“The recent bombing of the al-Ahli Arabi Baptist hospital in Gaza, resulting in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives, deeply saddens us.

“We believe in the sanctity of every life and the fundamental human right to live in peace and safety.

“The indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians only exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“Gaza’s population is facing a dire shortage of electricity, water, fuel, food, and medicine, which threatens a humanitarian catastrophe.

“It is vital that the international community acts with urgency and determination to halt the violence and ensure that actions are in line with international law.

“Until the underlying issue of the occupation of Palestine is permanently resolved, innocent people will continue to suffer.

“We call for renewed efforts to establish a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East, recognising the need for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state as delineated in UN resolutions and peace agreements.

“It is our firm belief that the violence in the Middle East should not compromise the peace and unity within the UK.

“We condemn all forms of Islamophobia and antisemitism in our country and urge all communities, Muslim and Jewish, to strengthen their bonds of goodwill and cooperation.

“As the Quran reminds us, “And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if they saved the life of all mankind.” (Quran 5:32)

“We call upon the members of our congregations to join us in praying for peace, justice, mercy, and safety for all in the region.

“Let us stand together for a brighter, more peaceful future for all, regardless of their faith or background.”

All photos: Rob Browne

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• Dozens protest BBC Israel-Palestine coverage outside Bristol HQ
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