9 Oct 2023 — East London Mosque is concerned and distressed by the escalation of violence and the tragic loss of life in and around Gaza. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.

As concerns mount over further escalation and the loss of more innocent lives, we here in the UK have a moral obligation to help end the cycle of oppression, injustice and violence and safeguard our faith communities from threats and intimidation. 

The latest escalation is rooted in Israel's decades-long illegal occupation in defiance of international law. The heart-breaking scenes are unfolding in the wake of ongoing settler attacks, home demolitions, the al-Aqsa Mosque's desecration, and an ultra-right government's ascendency.

Empowered by impunity, Israeli ministers brazenly champion expelling Palestinians while fuelling attacks on Christians in Jerusalem.

The bloodshed starkly underscores the international community's inability to offer Palestinians a glimmer of hope in ending the illegal occupation and securing freedom and dignity after generations of humiliation and despair. 

We are acutely aware that escalation of violence in the Middle East can inflame Islamophobia and anti-Semitism here in the UK. We condemn anyone who seeks to exploit the tragedy in Palestine to sow hatred and division within our community.

Our mosque remains steadfast in working tirelessly with partners from diverse backgrounds to nurture values of compassion and human dignity. Our prayers go out to the victims, and we hope for a just resolution to the conflict founded on compassion, human rights, and international law.

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