The Inonu University’s Knowledge and Virtue Society recently hosted a compelling conference titled "The Resistance of the Ummah in Palestine" at the Faculty of Theology in Malatya.

The event featured Dr. Rukiye Demir Salhiya, who shared her firsthand experiences from her extended stay in Gaza, offering a poignant insight into the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Palestinian people.

A Witness to Genocide

Dr. Salhiya, originally from Diyarbakır, spent over seven years in Gaza, witnessing firsthand the massacres that predate the widely publicized events of October 7, 2023. Her narrative underlines a grim reality where the people of Gaza endure daily bombardments, severe restrictions on movement, and a crippling blockade that has left more than 85% of the population in poverty. "If you hear one of those bombardments, you cannot stand still," she described, capturing the pervasive terror of life under siege.

The Sanctity of Land and Faith

Salhiya emphasized the spiritual resolve of Gazans, who view their land as sacred, inherited from prophets and entrusted by Allah to the Muslim ummah. "These lands are the relics of Allah and the Prophets," she quoted the locals saying, highlighting their commitment to defend their territory not just for themselves but for the global Muslim community. This dedication to their cause and faith shines through even in the darkest moments of their struggle.

Life Under Siege

The harshness of life in Gaza was vividly illustrated by Salhiya's accounts of survival under bombardment. She spoke of the desperation for basic necessities like water and food, and the dangers of even signaling for help. "We ran out of food and water... we left the rubbish outside so that the mujahideen would notice us," she recounted, painting a picture of life teetering on the edge of survival amidst the smell of gunpowder and chemical warfare.

The Hospitals of Despair

Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries, have turned into scenes of horror and despair. Salhiya described sitting in blood with families, in places where the most basic human rights are stripped away under the guise of military operations. "You have to sit in blood in hospitals," she noted, where even these supposed safe zones have been targeted, leaving no refuge for the wounded or those seeking shelter.

The Marvel of Martyrdom

One of the most striking narratives from Salhiya was her description of martyrdom in Gaza. Contrary to the decay associated with death, she spoke of the martyrs' bodies remaining untainted, emitting a "marvellous scent," which aligns with Islamic beliefs about the sanctity of martyrdom. This narrative not only underscores the spiritual dimension of the conflict but also the profound faith that sustains the Gazan spirit.

The Call to the Ummah

Salhiya's message was clear: the plight of Gaza is not isolated but a collective responsibility of the Muslim ummah. She criticized the lack of unified action, the feeble response to the ongoing genocide, and the failure to show solidarity beyond initial protests. She called for a boycott, aid, and prayer as obligations, urging Muslims worldwide to rally with more than just sympathy but with tangible support and action.

Dr. Rukiye Demir Salhiya's testimony at the conference is a stark reminder of the enduring resistance of the Palestinian people. It's a call to action, not just for Palestinians but for every Muslim around the globe to recognize and act upon their shared responsibility. The resilience of Gaza, through its people's unwavering faith and determination, stands as a testament to human spirit and resistance against overwhelming oppression. As Salhiya so powerfully stated: "This is not only the case of Gazans, but of the whole ummah." (ILKHA)