Muslim Leaders Condemn US-Israel Attack on Iran at Kozhikode Iftar Gathering
In a significant gathering in Kozhikode, leaders from various Muslim organizations have strongly condemned the recent US-Israel attack on Iran, asserting that this military action has sown deep instability across the Middle East region. The condemnation was issued during an iftar gathering convened by IUML state chief Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal, where a resolution was adopted to address the escalating crisis.
Resolution Highlights Grave Concerns Over Regional Stability
The resolution adopted at the meeting explicitly stated that the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amounts to a war crime. The leaders called upon international agencies, including the United Nations, to step in immediately and ensure peace in the region. They emphasized that Gulf countries are already experiencing severe repercussions from the ongoing conflict and urged Iran to cease its attacks on Gulf nations to prevent further escalation.
Nearly a crore Indians reside in these affected countries, with a significant proportion being Malayalis. The leaders warned that if the war continues unabated, it will have serious and far-reaching consequences for these expatriate communities, potentially affecting their safety and livelihoods.
Call for Diplomatic Intervention and Policy Review
The leaders also made a fervent appeal for India's diplomatic intervention to help restore peace in the region. They expressed concern over what they perceive as a departure from India's traditional policy of non-alignment, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to this longstanding principle in its foreign policy approach.
The iftar gathering was presided over by Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal, with IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty delivering the introductory address. Other notable attendees included Kozhikode qazi Panakkad Syed Nasir Hayy Shihab Thangal, R V Kutty Hassan Darimi, K Moyinkutty, Ahmed Saleem Edakkara, Hussain Madavoor, and C P Ummer Sullami, highlighting the broad consensus among community leaders on this critical issue.
Broader Context of the Middle East Crisis
This condemnation comes amid a volatile backdrop in the Middle East, where recent developments include:
- Iran launching a massive missile strike at a US airbase in Bahrain.
- Israel conducting bombings in Beirut.
- Thirty-eight Indian ships reportedly stuck in the Persian Gulf, with three sailors dead due to the conflict.
- The US ordering non-emergency staff to leave its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, citing safety risks.
The leaders' statements underscore the urgent need for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life and economic disruption in the region, which directly impacts Indian interests and citizens abroad.
