PARIS: Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested in cities around the world on Sunday on the eve of the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.
Demonstrations were held in major cities from Jakarta to Istanbul to Rabat, following protests on Saturday in major European capitals as well as Washington and New York.
"We are here to support the Palestinian resistance," said protester Ahmet Unal in Istanbul, where thousands assembled.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Israel launched air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs overnight and early on Sunday, the most intense bombardment of the Lebanese capital since Israel sharply escalated its campaign against Hezbollah last month.
In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, at least 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Sunday morning near the US embassy, demanding that Washington stop supplying weapons to Israel.
In Sydney, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered ahead of the October 7 anniversary, chanting and waving Lebanese and Palestinian flags amid a heavy police presence.
New Challenges
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, on Sunday took part in the 10th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Endowments, Islamic and Religious Affairs held in Doha.
Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, who headed the Sultanate of Oman’s delegation, said that the meeting offers an opportunity to consolidate ties of brotherhood, harmony and unity among member states.
The minister pointed out that the region is facing many challenges due to global developments that continue to accelerate at a worrying and unbalanced pace. In this context, he spoke about “the unjust war and the ongoing aggression against Al Quds and Palestine,” noting that such actions underscore the importance of joining hands to address these rapid developments.
In his speech, Dr Al Maamari also cautioned against extremism, noting that it constitutes a deviation from the tolerant Sharia principles and poses a threat to security and development. “It is our responsibility to protect our societies from harmful ideas and ideologies that distort the truth of the Islamic religion, which unites souls in goodness and peace,” he added.
The minister underlined the significance of allocating an “International Day for Endowments”, which, he said, would contribute to raising awareness about the important role that endowments play in promoting social care.
The meeting discussed the importance of research and the exchange of experiences about endowments through workshops and conferences. It also emphasised the need to establish a GCC platform for highlighting the true image of tolerance in Islam. — Agencies
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