Mass protests condemn Gaza brutality, urge Muslim unity

Five major protest rallies were held across Rawalpindi to Israel's ongoing military aggression against Palestine, its brutal campaign in Gaza, and attacks on women and children, with protesters urging Muslim leaders for real and tangible actions, a complete boycott of Israeli products and an urgent Islamic Summit Conference on the burning issue.

Demonstrators burned Israeli flags and effigies of Israeli leaders, bringing traffic to a complete standstill across key parts of the city.

Protesters carried placards and banners condemning Israeli atrocities and raised slogans not only against Israel but also against its allies. Calls were made for the Muslim Ummah to unite and take decisive action against Israeli aggression.

Friday was observed as a Black Day in protest of Israel's actions. During Friday sermons, religious leaders and scholars highlighted the Palestinian issue and prayed for the success of the besieged, unarmed Palestinian people.

The rallies were organised by various groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), local shopkeepers' associations, Jamiat Ahle Sunnat, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and the Railway Workers' Union. The demonstrations were held at major points including Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, Railway Station, and Saddar.

The District Bar Association (DBA) also staged a protest rally against the atrocities in Gaza. A large number of female lawyers participated, and an effigy of an Israeli official was burned.

The rally ended in a sit-in at Kachehri Chowk, completely blocking all adjoining roads and intersections, with even senior government officials' vehicles stuck in traffic. For over an hour, lawyers chanted slogans demanding action.

The rally was led by Bar President Sardar Manzar Bashir and Secretary Malik Asad Mehmood, with speeches from other leaders including Taufiq Asif and Madam Tasleem Abbasi.

Speakers condemned Israeli oppression, urging Muslim leaders worldwide to move beyond mere verbal condemnation and take real, tangible actions. They called for a complete boycott of Israeli products and demanded an urgent Islamic Summit Conference to issue a united and firm message from the Muslim world. After the gathering, a large procession marched from Quaid-e-Azam Hall to Kachehri Chowk, carrying banners and placards with strong anti-Israel slogans.

A separate "Down with Israel" protest rally was held by Sunni Tehreek, during which protestors burned an Israeli flag printed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's image on Murree Road. Addressing the crowd, Sunni Tehreek's scholar Allama Saeed Akhtar Siddiqui said that the Muslim Ummah had awakened and that the dream of a "Greater Israel" would never be realised.