ISLAMIC scholar Yousuf al-Qaradawi yesterday urged Muslim countries to “reactivate the boycott of American, Israeli and Danish products as these countries are supporting the Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza Strip.”
Addressing more than 18,000 people who attended a ‘Rally of Solidarity with Gaza’ at the Qatar Club stadium, Qaradawi criticised “those who closed the Rafah checkpoint and thus preventing the enthusiastic Arab youth from going to the Strip and fighting along with the suffering Palestinians there.”
Qaradawi, who is also the Mufti of Qatar, said “all calls to open the border fell on the deaf ears of those who have lost the legitimacy to rule.”
He said according to Islam, it is the duty of every Muslim to help a Muslim nation under attack.
The Egyptian-born scholar said the Hamas-led government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ismail Haniya successfully challenged all difficulties despite attempts by Israel and its Western allies to put hurdles on its way.
“Many thought the people would be fed up with the Hamas but the reality is that all the Gazans are supporting the Islamist movement in its resistance against occupation.”
“The victory is closer than you think,” he told the crowd.
Qaradawi said “God will take revenge on those supporting Israel in its campaign against the Palestinians.
“The tears of the widows and orphans of the Israeli aggression and the anger of the Muslims will not go in waste.”
He said: “I want to tell Haniya, (Khalid) Mishal and other Hamas leaders that you are victorious and the criminal Zionists can never ever defeat the Islamic nation.”
Earlier, prominent speakers from Kuwait and Sudan addressed the crowd amid calls for revenge against the “Zionists and the silent Arab leaders.”
The crowd demanded that the borders with Gaza be reopened immediately to alleviate the suffering of the people there.
“It is shame, it is shame, you sold Gaza in exchange for dollars,” many in the crowd waving Palestinian and Qatari flags shouted.
The speaker from Kuwait attacked the “silent Arab leaders” and even advised them to “prepare your coffins because you have died in eyes of your people.”
A Qatari speaker, who was aboard a ship that arrived in Gaza recently with humanitarian aid, said Qatari lorries carrying basic needs are waiting at the checkpoint for the opening of border.
The participants at the rally donated generously to a fund collection drive intented to help the Gazans, the organisers said. |
