- 'Problem is not in ideas, it is in will,' says Eymen Zeydan, calling Türkiye pivotal in mobilizing international alliances for Palestine
ISTANBUL
The eight-day Gaza conference resumed on Sunday with a full day of workshops on Democracy and Freedom Island in Istanbul, where participants explored the duties of different sectors in responding to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Delegates, divided into groups of scholars, state representatives, business leaders, media professionals, and political figures, debated practical steps to aid Palestinians and strengthen unity across the Muslim world.
Morning sessions examined the responsibilities of Islamic scholars and governments, while later discussions focused on the role of business in reconstruction projects and the obligations of the media in raising global awareness.
A dedicated afternoon program addressed the political dimensions of the conflict and strategies to promote Muslim unity, drawing on the Qur’anic injunction to “hold fast to the rope of Allah, all together, and do not be divided” (Qur’an 3:103).
The day concluded with the drafting of workshop reports, a press conference, and a general session evaluating the outcomes.
Gaza under 'three types of war'
At the press conference, the IUMS said Gaza faces “not just a military aggression, but a challenge to the unity of humanity and the values of justice, freedom, and dignity.”
A joint statement described the enclave as being under “three types of wars — murder and brutal destruction, starvation and siege of innocent people, and humiliation through the silence of the Arab, Islamic, and international worlds.”
Calling the moment “a real test” for the Muslim world, the scholars warned: “The issue of Gaza and Jerusalem is not only a matter of faith and honor for every Muslim, but it is a universal duty of humanity for every free person.”
Addressing Israel directly, the statement said: “We call out to Netanyahu and we say that the continuation of this barbarism in Gaza is to carry the patience of the Ummah and to prepare the ground for the inevitable consequences … the anger in the hearts of the Muslim Ummah will turn into a wide-ranging public movement that covers the entire Islamic geography.”
The scholars also reminded Muslim governments of their duty: “Silence is betrayal, betrayal is anger, and anger is resurrection.”
Reaffirming their commitment, the IUMS vowed: “These scholars and decision-makers are determined to have a role in stopping this cruelty. They are determined to pray, they are determined to take action, God willing, so that victory will be achieved, and the cruelty will be stopped.”
'Türkiye supporting in all means'
Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the conference, Eymen Zeydan, head of the International Jerusalem Institution’s Türkiye chapter, said Türkiye’s role is pivotal in mobilizing international support for both Jerusalem and Gaza.
“Türkiye is committed to supporting Palestine and Jerusalem in all means,” he said.
On the situation in Jerusalem, Zeydan described an urgent threat to Masjid al-Aqsa. “Jerusalem is in a very difficult situation. It is a war of liquidation,” he warned, explaining that upcoming Jewish festivals in September and October will bring more raids on the mosque.
“They want to impose new facts on the ground that the mosque is a temple as well as a mosque ... it is solely for Muslims. Jews should not enter this. This is not a place of worship for them.”
'Problem is not in ideas, it is in will'
Asked about practical measures beyond political declarations, Zeydan stressed that Muslim countries must translate ideas into action.
“The problem is not in the ideas or practical ideas. The problem is in the will,” he said.
Citing the suffering of civilians, he said 80% of those who have been killed by the Israeli forces in Gaza are civilians. "Today, they are attacking a tent in Gaza. A simple tent with three missiles. What more crazy than this? It’s a shame actually for all of us.”
From words to action
Zeydan also urged the Gaza conference to move toward impactful initiatives.
“We are urging the ulema. I asked today, suggested an initiative. We need 10 ulema, the eminence with the Muslims and 10 from Christians, 10 from Jews. Five big NGOs and some activists from ladies to go in a ship carrying milk for the children of Gaza ... We are representing religion and religious people from all the people, the people from all faiths.”
He said such actions would prevent the conference from being dismissed as symbolic.
“Even the brothers of Gaza will accuse us if we remain conducting conferences, talk inside hotels and take no actionable steps which can influence and stop this war,” Zeydan said. “We expect good outcomes.”
'Islamic and Humanitarian Responsibility: Gaza'
The conference, titled “Islamic and Humanitarian Responsibility: Gaza,” is jointly organized by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the Foundation for Islamic Scholars in Türkiye. It has drawn more than 150 scholars and representatives from over 50 countries to address Israel’s war on Gaza and the broader Islamic world’s response.
On Saturday, prominent Muslim scholars emphasized the urgent obligation to deliver aid to Palestinians, with speeches from IUMS President Sheikh Ali Muhyiddin al-Qaradaghi, Ali Erbas, head of Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), and IUMS Secretary-General Sheikh Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi.
Guest remarks were also delivered by Iraqi and Turkish scholars, including Sheikh Ahmed Hassan al-Taha of the Iraqi Fiqh Council and Professor Nasrullah Hacimuftuoglu, president of the Foundation for Islamic Scholars in Türkiye.
The eight-day gathering opened Friday with prayers at Istanbul’s Eyup Sultan Mosque and is scheduled to close on Aug. 29 at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque with the “Istanbul Declaration,” a document organizers say will outline “concrete steps for political, humanitarian and legal action” in support of the Palestinian cause.
