Brussels — A coalition of prominent Europe-based Muslim organizations issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday as the humanitarian situation in Gaza reached catastrophic proportions. They strongly condemned ongoing Israeli military operations inside Palestinian territory as well as seeking immediate international response to end civilian suffering.
The statement, signed by over 50 organizations from France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as other European nations such as Slovakia and Malta – among many others – described Gaza’s situation as an urgent moral and humanitarian catastrophe that needs urgent aid delivery from European governments, UN bodies and international human rights bodies to intervene diplomatically and politically to enforce a ceasefire and deliver urgent aid packages.
“The scale and impact of destruction, loss of lives, and systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure make it impossible for us to remain silent,” according to a statement released by Human Rights Watch. Hospitals, schools, and entire neighborhoods have been bombed or otherwise damaged – this is not self-defense but collective punishment in violation of international law.”
The recent violence, featuring Israeli airstrikes retaliation to attacks from Palestinian militant factions, has claimed many victims – women and children included. The U.N. and several NGOs have warned of imminent collapse of Gaza’s medical system with supplies like water, electricity and basic supplies running critically low.
Dr. Amina Khalid of Berlin-based European Muslim Humanitarian Network expressed concern that humanity is witnessing a human tragedy which demands swift action to address. Gaza remains under siege while its people continue to be crushed under diplomatic rhetoric debated worldwide; action must now take place instead of condemnation alone.”
The coalition has also encouraged European civil society to exert more pressure on political leaders through peaceful protests, petitions and community outreach activities. Massive demonstrations have already taken place across London, Paris and Brussels as hundreds of thousands demand an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to Gaza’s blockade.
Organizations stressed that peace in the region can only be attained by addressing its source; specifically decades-long occupation, settlement expansion, and displacement of Palestinians. “True peace cannot come out of injustice,” stated Imam Yusuf Mertens from the Belgian Islamic Cultural Council. Europe should stop supporting policies which facilitate apartheid and occupation policies.
While certain European governments have called for restraint and humanitarian corridors, others – particularly from Eastern Europe – have shown unconditional support to Israel. This contradiction between political responses has caused much frustration among Muslim communities who feel their concerns are being marginalized or ignored within larger geopolitical discourses.
Organizations also criticized what they considered an unfair double standard when applying international law to Gaza, asking: “Europe condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with immediate support for civilians; yet why does Gaza seem treated differently?” according to their statement.
As the situation on the ground worsens, the coalition pledged to continue its advocacy efforts and maintain that silence cannot be an option. “Our shared humanity demands it,” Dr. Khalid stated, and that Gaza must not go on bleeding unchecked while people turn away from its pain.