Egypt Daily News – Al-Azhar, Egypt’s highest Islamic authority, has clarified the reasons behind its decision to delete a strongly worded statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing concern over the potential impact on ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The original statement, briefly published on Tuesday evening across Al-Azhar’s official social media accounts, issued an urgent appeal to the international community, condemning the devastating toll of the conflict in Gaza. The statement described the dire humanitarian situation, asserting that “thousands of children and innocent civilians are being killed in cold blood,” while those who survive face death “from hunger, thirst, and the collapse of the healthcare system.”
The message further accused the international community of maintaining a “conspicuous silence,” and held “all those supporting the aggression” responsible for the ongoing bloodshed, starvation, and suffering in the besieged enclave.
However, within minutes of posting, Al-Azhar removed the statement, prompting public outcry and speculation online about the reasons for its disappearance. In response to the backlash, Al-Azhar issued a clarification on Wednesday, acknowledging the decision to withdraw the message as a deliberate and “courageous” act taken “with a sense of responsibility before God.”
The institution explained that it had become aware that the timing and tone of the statement could inadvertently affect sensitive negotiations currently underway to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. “We chose to prioritize the sanctity of innocent lives and the hope for an end to the daily bloodshed,” the follow-up statement read. “We did not wish the statement to be used as a pretext to derail or stall efforts aimed at halting the violence.”
Al-Azhar’s measured response underscores the complexity of Egypt’s role as a key mediator in the region. The Egyptian government has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the war in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. Cairo recently welcomed a joint declaration issued by the foreign ministers of 25 countries, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and the urgent delivery of aid to the devastated territory.
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to draw international condemnation. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the United Nations Security Council, warning of a global erosion of respect for international law. “We are witnessing a total disregard, if not outright violation, of international law,” he said. “One need look no further than the horror unfolding in Gaza—unprecedented levels of death and destruction. Malnutrition is rising. Hunger is knocking on every door. The humanitarian system is on the verge of collapse.”
In a separate statement, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that at least 1,054 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to access food aid—an alarming indicator of both the intensity of the conflict and the deepening humanitarian crisis.
As the situation on the ground worsens, Egypt’s religious and political leadership continue to navigate the delicate balance between moral responsibility and pragmatic diplomacy, seeking to alleviate the suffering in Gaza without compromising the fragile path toward a potential ceasefire.
