Al-Azhar Grand Imam to UN Secretary-General: Your fair stance is a glimmer of hope for protecting the vulnerable and oppressed in Gaza

GI: Unchecked moral decline sparks unprecedented surge in crime, hatred, and violence

GI: What's happening in Gaza threatens to undermine efforts for east-west dialogue and rapprochement

Al-Azhar Grand Imam to UN Secretary-General:

International community's response to aggression against Gaza disheartening and disappointing

UN Secretary-General:

I can't recall a more dangerous period than what we're living now

António Guterres: Committed to upholding justice in Gaza; no one can silence our voice

UN Secretary-General:

Al-Azhar is a strong voice to support Palestinian people 

UN Secretary-General vows to pressure international community to respect Palestinians’ rights

Al-Azhar GI presents UN Secretary-General with MCE shield in appreciation of his courageous stances towards Palestine and combating Islamophobia

Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, received, today, Sunday, at Al-Azhar headquarters, Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, accompanied by Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and Ms. “Elena Panova,” the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt. The two parties discussed the latest developments of the situation in Gaza.

The Grand Imam welcomed Mr. António Guterres to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and commended him for his courageous stances and praised his courageous stances in championing Palestinian rights and supporting justice and human rights in Gaza. Mr. Guterres took a clear position in alerting the world of the dangers of this aggression, and clarifying the great efforts made by the United Nations organization UNRWA towards refugees and those fleeing the fires of aggression.

His Eminence said, “We have followed your courageous steps and your fair words in various international forums, and what you have endured of pressures and difficult positions as you justly defend Palestinian rights. I assure you that we, at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, scholars, professors, students, and affiliates, support your positions and will not abandon our support for you. We know well that you feel what we feel of pain and sorrow, and we have nothing but to cling to the Almighty, while you, with your stances and the stances of similar leaders and fair-minded individuals, represent a glimmer of hope for protecting the vulnerable and oppressed in Gaza.”

Al-Azhar Grand Imam affirmed that the world is heading in the wrong direction without humanitarian principles or ethical constraints. He emphasized that if the current situation persists, we will witness an unprecedented spread of crime, hatred, destruction, wars, and violence, which will spread from conflict zones to every corner of the world, with its impact reaching America and the West. Therefore, we all must unite and stand in solidarity to stop the torrents of innocent blood being shed every hour.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam emphasized that what is happening in Gaza threatens to undermine the efforts of communication and rapprochement that we have initiated for years between the East and the West. He stated that the international community's response to the aggression on Gaza has been discouraging and disappointing, unlike the reactions of the peoples. We have seen significant fairness from Western and American nations, and even from some fair-minded Jews who have come out to demand an end to the aggression on Gaza.

For his part, the UN Secretary-General stated, “It is a great honor for me to meet Your Eminence and express my appreciation for your constant efforts in promoting peace and solidarity. You are an exemplary model for everyone. I would like to convey our appreciation to Your Eminence for Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as a strong voice advocating and supporting the Palestinian people. We are committed to exerting pressure on the international community to respect the rights of Palestinians and alleviate their suffering. Yesterday, I visited the Rafah border crossing to convey a message urging an end to the aggression, and for the international community to fulfill its duties with actions rather than mere words. On the other side of the border, I witnessed Palestinians suffering from severe shortages of food and water, as well as the spread of various infectious diseases. It is our collective responsibility to shed light on this suffering and to stop it immediately.”

Mr. António Guterres mentioned that he met yesterday with officials from several institutions and international organizations, and heard many stories about what is happening in the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that some officials told him that during his more than 25 years of work in conflict and war zones around the world, he had never seen this level of destruction, suffering, and violence as he witnessed in Gaza.

Mr. Guterres affirmed that Islamophobia has significantly escalated and has become one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination and hatred, aided by modern technological advancements. He pointed out that the world is currently witnessing the largest surge of hatred and violence ever recorded, citing the situations in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and various parts of Africa. He stated, “I cannot recall a more dangerous time than what we're living now,” emphasizing his continued support for justice in Gaza, and asserting that no one will be able to silence his voice.

At the end of the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam presented Mr. António Guterres with the shield of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), as a token of appreciation from Al-Azhar and all the wise men of the Islamic world for his courageous stance towards the innocent Palestinians in Gaza, as well as his efforts in combating Islamophobia and the phenomenon of hostility towards Islam.