Karbala hosts Al-Aqsa Call Conference IV in support of Gaza, Palestine
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Over 400 figures from 60 countries gather in Karbala for the Al-Aqsa Call Conference, urging global action to support Palestine and end the Gaza famine.
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Dr. Abdel Latif al-Hajj, Deputy Minister of Hospital Affairs in Gaza and director of a local hospital, delivers a speech during the fourth Al-Aqsa Call conference in Karbala, August 1, 2025 (Screengrab)
The fourth Al-Aqsa Call Conference commenced on Friday in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, bringing together 400 participants from 60 countries. The event seeks to consolidate international support for the Palestinian cause and foster religious unity around Al-Aqsa.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds has long been a focal point of aggression under Israeli occupation. The site faces repeated incursions by extremist settlers, often under the protection of Israeli forces, who violate its sanctity and provoke confrontations with Palestinian worshippers.
The Conference was first launched in September 2022 through cooperation with several organizations, including the General Secretariat of the Imam Hussain Shrine, the Iraqi Dar al-Ifta’, and the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine.
Its core mission is to amplify support for Palestine by highlighting the shared values between the Palestinian struggle and the principles of the Hussaini uprising. With the large influx of pilgrims in Karbala, the conference also aims to foster Islamic unity for Al-Aqsa and extend global religious solidarity with Palestine.
Imam Hussain Shrine calls for Palestine's liberation
During the opening session, Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Shrine, Hassan Rashid al-Abayji, called on the Islamic Ummah to support Al-Aqsa Mosque and work toward the liberation of the Palestinian people.
Al-Abayji emphasized the critical situation in the Gaza Strip, stating that “the world, especially Arab and Islamic countries, is expected not to allow this great humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to continue.” He added that “the horrific scenes of the widespread famine in the Gaza Strip leave no person of conscience able to enjoy food or drink in peace.”
He concluded by saluting “the steadfast, patient, and struggling Palestinian people,” expressing pride in their resilience.
⭕ الأمة الإسلامية مدعوّة إلى نصرة المسجد الأقصى وتحرير الشعب الفلسطيني
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) August 1, 2025
⭕ من المتوقع أن لا تسمح دول العالم، ولا سيما الدول العربية والإسلامية، باستمرار هذه المأساة الإنسانية الكبرى في #غزة
الأمين العام للعتبة الحسينية حسن رشيد العبايجي#فلسطين #نداء_الأقصى pic.twitter.com/XggrqlGxNR
Beyond rhetoric, concrete action needed
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdel Latif al-Hajj, Deputy Minister of Hospital Affairs in Gaza and director of a local hospital, delivered a speech urging international actors to take concrete steps.
He stressed that the conference must go beyond rhetoric and result in “practical and tangible steps in support of Gaza,” highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing blockade and famine.
Global religious leaders join in solidarity
Religious figures from various backgrounds voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people. Among them was Sheikh Yousef Abbas, who spoke on behalf of the Global Campaign and the Scholarly Forum.
His address was followed by that of Mahjari Ziyan, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Geneva and president of the European Council for Muslims. Buddhist priest Kalo Bahana, a member of the Human Rights Committee, also expressed support, underscoring the global and interfaith consensus on justice for Palestine.
Read more: 79% of Gaza's mosques, three churches completely destroyed by 'Israel'
