As global condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza escalates, thousands gathered at Marine Drive in Kochi, Kerala, on Thursday for the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) Gaza Solidarity Conference, where strong denunciations of Israel’s ongoing operations were voiced.
The conference, held at Ernakulam’s Marine Drive, was inaugurated by IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab, featuring Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Muhammad Abu Shawaesh as the chief guest.
Ambassador Abu Shawaesh emphasized the historical context of Palestinian suffering, stating, “Our suffering did not begin on October 7; it runs deep, thousands of years back. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 by the British colonisers sowed the seeds of the misery we face today. We have been expelled, ethnically cleansed, and displaced from our villages.” He recalled his childhood experiences in Gaza’s refugee camps and reaffirmed that the core issue lies with Israel’s occupation and ethnic cleansing, insisting, “Muslims are not against Jews. This is an issue of humanity, a violation of international law.”
He also drew parallels between the late E. Ahamed, a senior IUML leader and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, highlighting their friendship.
Notable attendees included IUML leaders P.K. Kunhalikutty, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, P.V. Abdul Wahab, Haris Beeran, M.P. Abdussamad Samadani, along with Muslim Youth League leader Shibu Meeran, Congress leader Sandeep Warrier, Father Paul Thelakkat, and Swami Dharma Chaitanya. Many participants donned keffiyehs, symbols of Palestinian solidarity and resistance.
P.K. Kunhalikutty remarked, “Observing Netanyahu’s body language and actions reminds one of Pharaoh. History has seen how Pharaoh met his end.” He reaffirmed India’s longstanding support for Palestine while criticizing the current Indian government’s policies viewed as increasingly pro-Israel. Addressing the ongoing violence against children in Gaza, he stated, “We cannot remain silent; everyone must oppose this cruelty, even in their hearts. Israel is killing children. There may be political differences within Palestine, but is genocide the solution? Why are world powers silent? Countries like France and Britain are moving toward recognizing Palestine, but the United States still hesitates. They are challenging the conscience of the world. Can we remain silent?”
Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal sharply criticized Israeli actions, noting, “In Gaza, not even as large as Manjeshwar taluk in Kerala, Israel is killing ordinary people using all the weapons at its disposal.” He underscored Kerala’s historical support for the oppressed and reiterated the conference’s message of compassion and justice.
Sandeep Warrier, recently transitioned from the BJP to Congress, discussed the cyber harassment he faced for wearing a keffiyeh, expressing concerns about being labeled as a terrorist by hardline factions. He acknowledged the presence of respected figures like Swami Dharma Chaitanya and Father Paul Thelakkat, which he felt mitigated these claims.
Also in attendance were Southern Kerala Jamiatul Ulema General Secretary Thodiyoor Muhammed, Catholic Bishops’ Council Secretary Father Thomas Tharayil, and journalist Venkitesh Ramakrishnan, lending further support to the conference’s solidarity message.
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