Ali al-Qaradaghi, head of the Union of Muslim Scholars, has called for an urgent Arab Islamic summit to address the escalating Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which he warns could have repercussions for the entire Arab and Islamic world.

In a statement issued Monday, al-Qaradaghi condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, describing the ongoing attacks as part of a broader expansionist policy targeting Gaza, Lebanon, and other parts of the region.

The call for unity comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that at least 182 people, including women, children, and paramedics, have been killed, and 727 others injured due to Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon since Monday morning. These attacks coincide with the continued Israeli assault on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and has been described by al-Qaradaghi as a "genocide."

Al-Qaradaghi emphasized the need for Arab and Islamic countries to stand against Israeli aggression and criticized political and sectarian divisions that have allowed the region to become vulnerable to external threats. "Lebanon and Gaza should not be easy prey for this blatant aggression," he stated, urging a unified front against Netanyahu’s government.

He warned that the Israeli attacks aim to expand Israeli control over key territories, including Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of Lebanon and Jordan. Al-Qaradaghi also criticized any support for aggression against Lebanon or Palestine, stressing that suffering in these areas should not be celebrated under any pretext.

The scholar called for strong action from Arab and Islamic nations, including economic measures such as cutting off oil and gas supplies and boycotting Israel politically and economically. He also urged the severing of diplomatic ties with the Israeli state.

In a related development, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem confirmed that the group has entered a new phase of resistance following the assassination of 15 members of its elite Al-Ridwan force by Israeli forces. Qassem stated that Hezbollah's operations would continue until the Israeli "genocide" in Gaza ends.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have intensified since the killing of Hezbollah military leader Fouad Shukr, with daily exchanges of rocket fire along the northern borders of occupied Palestine. Hezbollah has vowed to maintain its support for Gaza until Israel halts its military campaign, which has caused over 137,000 casualties, including many missing, and widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip.

As the conflict shows no sign of abating, al-Qaradaghi reiterated his call for Muslim and Arab nations to take immediate action to prevent further aggression and protect civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon. (ILKHA)