Press Release: Conflict in the Holy Land

UK Islamic Mission, in line with our core educational and humanitarian objectives, and building good relations between communities, urges all parties in the Holy Land to bring an end to hostilities. 

The Holy land has witnessed protracted violence and loss of lives for many decades, since the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. Islam regards the killing and taking of any human life as a crime. Therefore; we unequivocally condemn attacks on any innocent civilians caught up in this conflict, and urge an immediate end to hostilities.

We are also concerned about the impact the hostilities may have on the community in the UK and in particular the faith communities. We urge our government to provide safety and security to both Jewish and Muslim communities. We note that the Home Secretary, the Right Honourable Suella Braverman KC, has issued guidance to Chief Constables on how to deal with potential incitement to hatred against Jewish members and synagogues living across the UK in her statement. We also urge people not to hold Jewish individuals and communities in the UK responsible for the actions of Israel.

Our Efforts

However, we note that the Home Secretary, in her statement, has not afforded the same protection and concern for the Muslim community. Muslims across the UK are concerned that the manner of reporting of the conflict in the media will adversely impact individual Muslims and Islamic places of worship. This is not unusual as in recent years there have been a significant increase in Islamophobic hate crimes and attacks resulting in loss of life as well as damage to Mosques. We urge all those in positions of power to use language and undertake actions that will help de-escalate the situation in the UK, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Furthermore; it should be noted that freedom of speech is a corner stone of our democracy and therefore we see the erosion of these values as detrimental to all citizens of the UK.

In line with our humanitarian and religious values we urge all people to think about how they can help ease the situation and bring peace to the Holy Land and support relief efforts that will be underway to support people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

In conclusion, we call upon Israelis, Palestinians, the UK Government, the United Nations and all external governments to support and bring about peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Notes to Editors:

UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) is a democratic humanitarian and educational organisation that has worked in the UK since 1962. We support 37 Islamic centres and Mosques across the UK. The mosques are operated locally and if any opinion expressed by attendees and or imams that does not align with the sentiments above and our core values and objects then we disassociate ourselves from those comments.

UKIM will be raising funds to support vulnerable people and families in the Holy Land following this escalation of violence.