Muslim scholars prioritize boycotting Israel over Gaza humanitarian crisis

In October 2023, a conference organized by the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) took place in Istanbul, Turkey, amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip. This gathering brought together over 150 prominent Muslim scholars from 50 different countries to address what they termed a genocidal war by Israel against Palestinians. However, the conference notably chose to focus on calls for boycotts and isolation of Israel rather than acknowledging the humanitarian crisis facing the thousands of innocents on both sides, particularly after the horrific events of October 7, when Hamas conducted attacks that left over 1,200 individuals dead, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals. Rather than discussing the impact of Hamas-led violence, the scholars placed the blame solely on Israel's defensive actions, asserting that the suffering of Palestinians was primarily a result of Israeli military responses. The conference took place at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and aimed to discuss Islamic and humanitarian responsibilities in the wake of the violent situation. Instead of addressing the significant loss of life caused by the Hamas attacks, the Muslim scholars condemned Israel for its actions, urging continued resistance against what they described as an ongoing occupation. The summit ignored calls for Hamas to release Israeli hostages and failed to call for a ceasefire that could alleviate suffering in the Gaza Strip. Representatives from the international Islamic community instead emphasized that targeting Israel through boycotts was paramount, suggesting it was a duty grounded in both Sharia law and international humanitarian principles. Despite ongoing hostilities, there was no official recognition at this conference of the thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire or calls to ensure the humanitarian needs of both Israelis and Palestinians were met. Instead, some speakers at the event declared that the situation was a strategic threat that called for immediate and determined action against Israel. Furthermore, earlier in 2023, the IUMS issued a fatwa encouraging Muslims worldwide to engage in armed jihad against Israel, characterizing the conflict in Palestine as an obligatory duty. This stance, while celebrated by certain factions keen on confronting Israel, exacerbates the already complex situation further, highlighting a refusal to denounce violence from within their own ranks. As responses from international communities to the IUMS's declarations remain awaited, the ongoing conflict becomes a broader narrative of struggle, politicization, and confrontation, furrowing deeper divides between various stakeholders and perpetuating cycles of violence that seem to overshadow pathways toward peace. Moving forward, any dialogue will likely necessitate addressing the myriad dimensions underlying this multifaceted crisis, including the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected on both sides, and reassessing the priorities of influential Islamic scholars who hold sway over public sentiment and action in the Muslim community regarding this volatile issue.