Int'l Al-Aqsa Call Conference II concludes: No to normalization

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Aug 2023 23:26
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The final communiqué of the Second Al-Aqsa Call Conference in Iraq on its second day stresses the need to reject normalization with 'Israel' in all its forms.

The poster for the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II held on August 27 and 28, 2023. (Social media)

The final communiqué of the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II in Iraq affirmed that "the Palestinian cause is the first battleground between the free people of the world and colonial powers."

According to the closing statement, participants emphasized that "the role of religious scholars, the media, and civil society institutions in clarifying the dimensions of the Palestinian cause and the revolution of Imam Hussein."

Moreover, the statement stressed "the importance of disseminating the voice of the wounded and the families of martyrs and prisoners and informing the whole world of the violations they [Palestinians] are subjected to."

The Conference also paid tribute to the Palestinian people, recognizing their "great steadfastness and sacrifice in the face of Zionist tyranny."

In another context, the statement considered that those "insulting the heavenly books, including the Holy Quran," are the same ones that "support the Zionist entity." However, the Conference reaffirmed that participating states collectively and unanimously reject normalization with "Israel", calling on the free people of the world to exert efforts to "confront normalization in all its forms."

Yesterday, International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II was launched under the title of "Palestine and Imam Hussein: The global dimensions of the missionary personality and the humanitarian cause."

Representatives from 65 countries gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for the event.

In his address during the conference, Sheikh Abdullah Katamto, the coordinator of the Scholarly Forum for Palestine, emphasized that Palestine stands as the frontline of defense for the people of the world.

Katamto extended his gratitude to "the entire Iraqi people, who have demonstrated unity in their pursuit of truth."

"#Palestine is the line of defense for the whole world, and we thank all the Iraqi people who always translated solidarity with the right."

Coordinator of the International Scholarly Forum for Palestine, Sheikh Abdullah Katamto, at the International #AlAqsa Call Conference II. https://t.co/TnqfGGBmE1
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023

Sheikh Mohsen Heidari, the Iranian Ahvazi Imam, added that "the free people of the world are drawn to Imam Hussein and his timeless historical teachings of justice and resistance against tyranny."

Heidari further added that "the Islamic Resistance movements in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine stood against the mythical state of ISIS," underscoring that "mass gatherings, such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage, strike fear into the hearts of oppressors."

Similarly, the head of Al-Rebat Al-Mohammadi Scholars Council in Iraq, Sayyid Abdul Qadir Al-Aloosi, highlighted the need "for the nation to return to spirituality in our values and jihad."

Talal Shreim, the official charged with the prisoners' affairs in the Global Coalition for the Support of Al-Quds and Palestine, said, "The battle in Palestine has just begun with the rise of the right-wing government," affirming that "the West Bank and its ongoing struggles are currently the focal points of conflict, and amid this reality, there is nothing left but freedom-fighting."

Shreim also noted that 5,000 prisoners in the occupation's jails await the mercy of God.

"The battle in Palestine has just begun with the rise of the right-wing government. The #WestBank and its ongoing struggles are currently the focal points of conflict, and amid this reality, there is nothing left but freedom-fighting."

- Talal Shreim, the official charged with… https://t.co/UM6sd5FnjB
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023

On his part, Father Antony Hanania, a priest from the Palestinian Orthodox Church, affirmed that the message of Imam Hussain is that "the right is ever-persistent" and that "the Palestinian cause is sacred and we [Christians] have a role in it, which is the role of the resistance."

Father Hanania also underscored that "If they [Israel] prevent the Muslims in Palestine from raising the call to prayer, I will raise it,” adding that "we derive our strength from the steadfastness of the Palestinian prisoners."

Most significantly, however, the Orthodox priest proclaimed that "if Sayyed Nasrallah says he will pray in Al-Quds, then this means that the time of liberation is near."

Additionally, the Buddhist spiritual leader and Goodwill Ambassador of Sri Lanka emphasized that anyone who adopts Imam Hussein's legacy cannot but be a vehement defender of Palestine.