Conference of over 150 scholars from 50+ nations in Istanbul addresses Gaza war and Muslim world’s humanitarian duty
Prominent Muslim scholars on Saturday emphasized the pressing responsibility to support Palestinians in Gaza, as the second day of an international gathering unfolded on Democracy and Freedom Island in Istanbul.
Organized by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and the Foundation for Islamic Scholars in Türkiye, the conference — titled “Islamic and Humanitarian Responsibility: Gaza” — has drawn more than 150 scholars representing over 50 countries to debate Israel’s war on Gaza and the broader response of the Islamic world.
The opening session featured addresses by IUMS President Sheikh Ali Muhyiddin al Qaradaghi, Türkiye’s religious affairs chief Ali Erbaş, and IUMS Secretary-General Sheikh Ali Muhammad al Sallabi, alongside scholars from Iraq and Türkiye.
Workshops focused on the obligation of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with delegates presenting key recommendations. Later sessions are set to include press briefings, guest addresses, and a solidarity protest.
The eight-day event, launched Friday with prayers at Istanbul’s Eyup Sultan Mosque, will conclude on August 29 with the “Istanbul Declaration” at the Ayasofya Grand Mosque, outlining concrete steps for political, legal, and humanitarian action on Gaza.
