Egypt Daily News – During a meeting on Tuesday, Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, expressed grave concerns regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as a “great historical farce.”
This statement was made in a discussion with Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alongside other EU officials, including Sven Koopmans and Ambassador Christian Berger.
El-Tayyeb highlighted the profound suffering endured by the Palestinian people, citing “aggression, massacres, and daily atrocities” that he believes have no precedent in the context of warfare.
He raised the question of whether there is a viable solution to the ongoing conflict and lamented the brutality faced by individuals in Gaza, questioning the humanity of aggressors who target the displaced.
He painted a stark picture of the international community’s response, suggesting that the world is divided between those who actively support violence and those who passively observe, engaging only in condemnation rather than taking decisive action. El-Tayyeb expressed a desire for a shift in consciousness among weapon suppliers and political leaders, urging them to take a more active role in alleviating the crisis.
In his remarks, El-Tayyeb warned that the situation in the Middle East poses a threat that could lead to widespread disaster if not addressed. He criticized the existence of what he termed the “Zionist entity” in the region, alleging that it serves to perpetuate conflict and undermine regional stability.
Josep Borrell acknowledged El-Tayyeb’s pivotal contributions to peace, interfaith dialogue, and the rights of the oppressed. He underscored his agreement that a resolution to the crises in the Middle East hinges on establishing an independent Palestinian state and achieving the full realization of Palestinian rights. Borrell also conveyed the EU’s commitment to working toward a ceasefire in Gaza.
