Green Lane Mosque and Community Centre (GLMCC) is extremely concerned by the shocking and escalating events in Gaza and by the acute suffering of civilians. We appeal to the UK government and authorities to help prevent further escalation and civilian suffering, to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need, and to exert meaningful pressure to bring about a ceasefire and ultimately a just and lasting peace.

We unequivocally condemn attacks on any innocent civilians caught up in this conflict and urge an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.

This latest flashpoint needs to be understood within the broader context of international human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territory. These include the denial of a people’s right to self-determination, the use of extrajudicial killings, restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly, illegal settlements, cruel collective punishments of innocent civilians, and more. The situation on the ground will continue to deteriorate while we continue to see significant violations of UN resolutions and international law by Israel, the occupying power.

The international community needs to play a more active role in shouldering the responsibility it bears through the influence it wields to help put an end to the suffering and the occupation.

War rhetoric and inflammatory statements in support of either side in the current hostilities risk inflaming tensions both in the Middle East and here in the UK. We therefore urge all in our community to express their concern peacefully, and we urge our government to act to safeguard innocent civilians and call for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians. Additionally, we request the uninterrupted provision of essential supplies such as food, fuel, water, and medical aid to those who are trapped and unable to leave.

Hundreds of worshippers have been injured, including men, women and children. The violence at one of the holiest of sites to Muslims, in one of the holiest of months, is another shameful example of the continued persecution of the Palestinian people.

We remind the Muslim community that there is ultimately no power or might except by the will of Allah, The Almighty. We therefore advise Imams and Muslim communities to stand in prayer and make qunoot (supplication) to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians and all those who are oppressed.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

‘The supplications of three persons are never turned away: a fasting person until he breaks his fast, a just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed which is raised by Allah above the clouds, the gates of heaven are opened for it, and the Lord says: By My Might, I will help you in due time.’ (Tirmidhi)

Such events can give rise to increased tensions in the UK, resulting in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. We advise everyone to ensure that we seek legitimate means of protest and to avoid unfairly oppressing or wronging others:

“O My slaves, I have forbidden oppression to Myself, and I have made it unlawful among you, so do not wrong one another.” (Muslim 2577)

Green Lane Masjid

Donate at: https://www.taskforceglm.org/product/palestine-emergency-appeal/

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979.  Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfills its mission of inspiring, educating, and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque which is attended by thousands every week.

For more information about our work and services visit www.greenlanemasjid.org or access our Annual Reports.