Jamat Ulema-e-Hind carries out a protest march in Kolkata in solidarity with the people of Palestine

In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, Muslim organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind organized a protest march in Kolkata on Saturday in support of Palestine. Protestors were seen holding placards that said, “End the blockade and stand with Palestine and Gaza people”, “Free Palestine end occupation”, and “Justice, Freedom, Equality for Palestine”. Fervent slogans of “Free Palestine” were raised during the protest march.

“Jamiat stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured 75 years of Israeli oppression and violence, resulting in their current dire circumstances,” said the head of the Jamiat group, Maulana Mahmood Madani. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate the dispute between Israel and Palestine. “They find themselves living as prisoners in their own homeland, unwaveringly striving for their homeland's freedom and the preservation of Masjid Al Aqsa” he added urging the Prime Minister to use his power to protect the lives of defenseless civilians and to advocate for lasting peace.

Maulana Mahmood Madani also called for the "cessation of war declared by Israel" and pleaded for swift response from the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and the Arab League. The head of the Jamiat group also stated that "the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel" is the primary cause of the war. He asserted that the matter had to be settled in line with the guidelines established by the UN.

In retaliation to the October 7 onslaught launched by Hamas that killed 1,300 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took several captives, Israel has asserted that it will ‘destroy’ the terrorist organization. Israel has been bombarding Gaza with airstrikes ever since. In waves of Israel's missile bombardment, at least 1,900 Gazans that include at least 600 children have been killed. Prior to the ground assault, Israel has issued an evacuation order for the residents of the Gaza Strip. Israel has given the Gazans a 24-hour ultimatum for evacuation. Additionally, Tel Aviv has relocated its troops, heavy weaponry, and tanks to the Gaza region's southern desert.