His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has called for immediate international action to halt the aggression on Gaza, ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged region, and provide essential support to end the prolonged bloodshed.
These remarks were made during a meeting in Jakarta with General Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s President-elect and current Minister of Defence, aimed at intensifying global efforts to address the crisis in Gaza.
Al-Tayeb and Subianto agreed to launch a global call to end the aggression, emphasising the protection of innocent civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly. They urged all concerned parties to prioritise humanitarian interests and pursue legal and international measures to achieve a lasting solution and stop the violations, advocating for the expedited implementation of a two-state solution.
Expressing gratitude for Indonesia’s steadfast support of Palestinian rights, Al-Tayeb highlighted Indonesia’s dispatch of relief convoys in collaboration with Al-Azhar since the onset of the Gaza aggression.
He underscored the importance of unified political and religious action against the ongoing massacres and atrocities in Gaza, calling on global leaders to leverage political and legal mechanisms alongside religious leaders to raise awareness about the daily suffering faced by Palestinians.
The Grand Imam also noted that the Muslim Council of Elders is considering launching a global alliance of religious leaders, including those from Southeast Asia, titled “Religions for Development,” aimed at leveraging religious teachings to achieve sustainable development goals, with Indonesia serving as a model of development while upholding religious values.
Subianto, in turn, welcomed the initiative and pledged to create a conducive environment for its success. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated the country’s commitment to ending the aggression on Gaza and supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
He also commended Egypt’s efforts in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and raising awareness about the plight of innocent civilians.
The Indonesian President-elect announced his country’s readiness to receive injured individuals from Gaza, especially children and orphans, for treatment in Indonesian hospitals and to host them until they can return to their homes. He also noted plans to restore the Indonesian medical complex in Gaza once the situation improves and the aggression ceases.
At the end of the meeting, the Grand Imam presented Subianto with the Al-Azhar Shield and the Muslim Council of Elders Medal to mark the 10th anniversary of the Council’s establishment.