Press Release
UK’s Oldest Muslim Youth Association Calls for Immediate Cease-Fire in Israel-Palestine Conflict
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK (AMYA), the UK’s oldest Muslim youth association, is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and Israel, which has led to the tragic loss of thousands of innocent lives, including innocent men, women, and children. The situation in the region has escalated to a point where it demands the urgent attention of the international community.
Representatives of the Israeli government have cited retaliatory measures in response to attacks by Hamas, and the consequences of these actions have been devastating. The loss of Palestinian lives far surpasses the reported loss of Israeli lives. The situation is deeply troubling, and true justice requires an urgent resolution of the situation through an immediate cease-fire.
His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has expressed grave concerns about the escalating conflict and has said:
“The conflict between Hamas and Israel is intensifying, resulting in an increasing number of innocent Palestinian women and children being martyred. With the pace at which the situation of war is escalating and the policies being apparently adopted by the Israeli government and major global powers, it seems as if a World War now looms large before us. Now, even the leaders of certain Muslim countries are openly stating, as have Russia and China, and similarly, Western analysts have begun to write and proclaim that the scope of this war seems to be broadening. If immediate, wisdom-based policies are not adopted, the world will face devastation.”
(Friday Sermon 27th October 2023)
The members of AMYA have taken proactive steps to address this issue. We have written to all Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom, urging them to raise this matter in Parliament and call for a cease-fire.
Furthermore, the #VoicesforPeace social media campaign has been initiated to capture the world’s attention and call upon leaders to swiftly de-escalate the conflict and work towards lasting peace. As part of this campaign, AMYA is organising a live online #VoicesforPeace fundraising appeal to support humanitarian efforts (once aid is allowed). This is scheduled for Monday, November 6th, at 6:30 pm. To learn more and support this initiative, please visit www.mercy4mankind.org/voicesforpeace.
We also call attention to the role of the media in shaping public perceptions. The media should provide a comprehensive and impartial view of the situation. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad said addressing Western media:
“Western media, on the one hand, exaggerates certain news, and, on the other, sidelines certain stories. For example, a story about a released woman who said she was treated well was pushed to the corner, while her statement saying ‘Hamas’ imprisonment was hell’ is constantly presented as major news. True justice requires presenting all scenarios and facts. Then, let the world decide who the oppressor is, who the oppressed are, how justifiable this war is, and where it should end. The entire situation should be laid out for the world, instead of one-sided coverage.”
(Friday Sermon 27th October 2023)
It is our hope that an immediate cease-fire can be achieved and that diplomatic efforts can lead to a just and lasting peace in the region.
We urge the international community to act swiftly to de-escalate the situation and prevent further suffering. The world cannot afford to wait any longer; the time for peace is now.
Notes to the editor:
For any further media queries please contact:
Muhammad Ali Ahmad
07941789940 | press@khuddam.co.uk
Free-to-use pictures are available on the link below. Please credit AMYA for pictures.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G3WMhBC4JQMRolDgqAcC5nmUkn7ioScM?usp=sharing
AMYA is an auxiliary body of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a religious and charitable Muslim organisation. With more than 9000 members spread across 150 chapters in the United Kingdom, AMYA frequently partakes in tree planting, supporting the homeless and foodbank donation sessions. In 2022, it raised over £500,000 pounds for various British charities, facilitated 1.6 million meals being given to the vulnerable, and donated over 10 tonnes of food to food banks across the UK. In addition, AMYA regularly runs initiatives throughout the year to support local community projects such as Warm Rooms, runs blood donation drives, and gets involved in Humanitarian relief efforts within the UK and abroad. The organisation focuses on helping young Muslims become better citizens and fulfil their religious obligations of serving God and humanity.