Makkah pact should prioritise Palestine: JI

Hafiz Naeem calls for inclusion of Iran, other Muslim states in defence agreement

KARACHI:

JI chief Hafiz Naeem has called for expanding the defence pact among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to include Iran, Bangladesh and other Muslim countries, saying Palestine should be its foremost priority if the arrangement aims to protect the region.

Addressing thousands of participants at a Gaza March organised by the JI on Sunday, Naeem said the first objective of the defence arrangement should be to end Israeli aggression against Palestinians particularly those living in Gaza.

He welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement but stressed that other Muslim countries should also be included. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the pact, also called the Makkah Defence Allianc on August 7.

He said Israeli attacks on Gaza were continuing despite the ceasefire, while Israel had failed to honour the terms agreed under the truce and enjoyed the backing of the United States. He called for the Muslim Ummah to overcome sectarian, political and geographical divisions and unite in support of the people of Palestine and Kashmir.

"Instead of being divided along sectarian and geographical lines, the Muslim Ummah must unite to support the oppressed people of Palestine and Kashmir," he said, adding that Shia and Sunni divisions should be set aside for a common struggle.

Naeem said the first week of October would be observed in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine. He also announced that the JI would unveil its future strategy after October 7 as part of its ongoing campaign against petroleum levy, taxes and inflation.

He said the Israeli bombardment of Gaza had continued despite the ceasefire, claiming that large areas of the territory had been destroyed. He said Palestinians were also being targeted in the West Bank, including children.

The JI chief said the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack challenged Israel's military strength and the subsequent Israeli offensive exposed the country's policies before the international community.

He described Hamas's struggle as legitimate resistance and said the group had played an important role in ceasefire negotiations. He also called for intensified efforts for the freedom of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Naeem said the resistance of Palestinians demonstrated that determination and courage could challenge even technologically superior forces. He said Muslim governments and armies have a responsibility to prevent further bloodshed in Palestine.

He said the situation in Gaza also demonstrated the need for greater unity among Islamic movements, adding that Palestinians have continued to support Hamas despite three years of war.

The JI leader said the party and its charitable organisation Alkhidmat had sent relief worth Rs10 billion to Palestinians with public support.