JEDDAH, 2 February 2008 — Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, an imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, yesterday cautioned Muslims all over the world that their Palestinian brethren in Gaza were facing a human catastrophe.
The imam rebuked Western countries that speak profusely about human rights, freedom and democratic values for keeping mum on the continuing Israeli atrocities in occupied Palestinian territories.
Delivering his Juma sermon to the thousands of faithful who thronged the large mosque complex, the imam called for quick delivery of relief supplies such as food and medicine to the people of Gaza.
"Our brothers in Gaza are facing death and destruction, hunger and siege...After God, only you can boost their morale and save them from this trial," Al-Sudais told Muslims all over the world.
"Help them, donate for them, especially in this harsh weather condition. They are living in dark without electricity, hunger and poverty. They don't have water or food and medicine. The economic siege has made their lives extremely difficult," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the imam as saying.
Al-Sudais said "the dangerous human catastrophe" being faced by people in Gaza was a new development in the Palestinian issue. He condemned the brutal Israeli blockade and called for quick and serious initiatives to open the border.
In a recent statement, Lynn Pascoe, UN undersecretary-general for political affairs, said the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is "extremely fragile" as a result of continued Israel closure of nearly all crossings into the territory.
There were special prayers for Gazans at several mosques across Saudi Arabia yesterday as imams invoked the Almighty to support the Palestinians against their oppressors and for a quick end to their plight. People in the Kingdom also exchanged text messages calling for the support of Gazans.
The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) recently announced an emergency donation of SR5 million to support the besieged Palestinians in Gaza.
"Muslims all over the world must come forward in support of the Palestinians, who are facing a campaign of starving and eradication," said Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaiby, secretary-general of WAMY.
"The closure border passages in Gaza, preventing entry of humanitarian assistance to the sick, children and women, is one of the major crimes against humanity," the WAMY chief said in a statement.
He called on businessmen, philanthropists and all Saudi citizens and residents to support the Palestinians. "Nobody can keep quiet after knowing the suffering of Palestinians as a result of power cut and stoppage of energy supplies."
