Mardin Provincial Mufti Enver Türkmen said the Palestine issue is not merely a political or regional matter, but a matter of justice, conscience and humanity, on the third anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation launched on October 7, 2023.

Speaking to ILKHA on the anniversary of the operation, Türkmen evaluated the situation in Palestine and Gaza, emphasizing that the Palestinian people have the right to live freely, safely and with dignity.

Stating that the Palestine issue cannot be addressed only as a political or regional matter, Türkmen said years of occupation, blockade and conflicts have caused the heaviest suffering for innocent people, especially children and women.

"On the anniversary of October 7, we once again state that the Palestine issue is not only a political or regional matter, but a matter of justice, conscience and humanity. The heaviest burden of years of occupation, blockade and conflicts has been carried by innocent people, especially children and women. Humanity cannot remain silent in the face of the great humanitarian tragedy in Gaza," Türkmen said.

Referring to the principle of justice, Türkmen said, "Our position is clear: We stand against oppression regardless of who commits it, and we stand with the oppressed regardless of who they are."

"Palestinian people have the right to live freely and with dignity"

Emphasizing that the Palestinian people have the same right as all other peoples to live freely, safely and with dignity, Türkmen said, "Forcing children to endure hunger and fear, the loss of innocent civilians, and the displacement of people from their homes and lands are situations that no conscience can accept."

He stressed that their stance was not directed against any religion or nation, saying, "We reject antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of attacks against innocent people. What we oppose is oppression, occupation, injustice and the violation of human dignity."

Mardin Mufti calls for justice and lasting peace

Drawing attention to Mardin's history as an ancient city where different religions and cultures have lived together for centuries, Türkmen called for peace and justice across the world.

Calling on the international community to show a stronger will to establish justice and lasting peace in Palestine, Türkmen concluded:

"From Mardin, this ancient city where different religions and cultures have lived side by side for centuries, we call on the whole world: Let us look not at the identity of children, but at their tears. Let us strengthen justice, not anger; law, not revenge; and peace, not war. The international community must demonstrate a stronger will to establish justice and lasting peace in Palestine. Because where there is no justice, there can be no lasting peace."

"Our demand for Palestine is justice, our call for Gaza is humanity, and our prayer for Jerusalem is peace and safety," Türkmen said. (ILKHA)