By Ali Altunkaya
DOHA, Qatar (AA) - The International Union of Muslim Scholars called for "peaceful" demonstrations Thursday in support of Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip as part of events during the World Jerusalem Week from Feb. 2 to 9.
A news conference in Qatar at the group’s headquarters, included the head of Union, Ali Muhyiddin al-Qaradaghi, General-Secretary Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi and several scholars and academics.
Al-Qaradaghi emphasized in a statement Israel's intense attacks and blockade for the past 118 days against Gaza and urged the world to raise their voices against the tragic events in the enclave and Palestine, where Palestinians are fighting for their freedoms and a saga of heroism and liberation is unfolding.
Islamic formations, movements and institutions in many countries in the Islamic world will organize events during World Jerusalem Week, it said.
It emphasized the expectation of sensitivity from Muslims.
The statement urged humanity to support the freedom of occupied Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the immediate end to pressure and isolation in Gaza, demanding the lifting of the blockade.
It encouraged discussions about Jerusalem during sermons on Friday and peaceful marches to seek the support of the free world and demand justice for Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa issues.
"Jerusalem is calling out to you, Al-Aqsa is calling out to you, and the children of Gaza still under the rubble are appealing to the conscience of the entire world. After Friday prayers, we urge everyone worldwide to fill the squares and participate in protests against the occupying Israeli regime," it said.
The group is an independent organization that includes tens of thousands of scholars and thinkers from 57 countries.
Established in 2004, it aims to preserve Islamic identity, address internal and external threats and adapt Islamic practices to different times and places.
Currently headquartered in Doha, the Union is led by al-Qaradaghi, elected during its sixth general assembly.
- World Jerusalem Week
Jerusalem, holding the distinction of being the first qibla, or direction for Muslims to pray, was liberated from the Crusader occupation on the 27 of Rajab 583, according to the Hijri calendar.
World Jerusalem Week is designated to encompass the historical date when Jerusalem was conquered.
Israel has been occupying East Jerusalem since 1967, and despite successive protests by Islamic organizations since 2003, it allows Jewish settlers to carry out raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.