Today, Tuesday, at Al-Azhar Headquarters, HE Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, received Mr. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Mr. Sven Koopmans, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, and Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the EU Delegation in Cairo.
The Grand Imam averred that words fall short of expressing the sufferings of the Palestinians as a result of the daily aggression, massacres, and slaughters they are exposed to. He added that such afflictions are unprecedented in the history of wars and conflicts, pointing out that such is indescribable brutality and that it is not brave or chivalrous for an armed man to attack and kill innocent displaced people, stating: "I can say that we have not seen this brutality in the world of animals and beasts, as that the (Zionist) entity has exceeded all human standards and committed the most heinous crimes, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills innocent people."
Grand Imam At-Tayyeb wondered: Is there a solution to this ultimate historical farce we are witnessing in Gaza?! Who can stop this brutal aggression?! The world today is divided into two groups, one contributing to the tragedy by supporting the aggressor with weapons and engaging in the killing of defenseless people, and another participating in the tragedy by silence or sufficing with verbal condemnation and denunciation. Is there a glimmer of hope for those who export weapons to the occupying entity to stop their support and for their consciences and humanity to awaken?! Is there any glimmer of hope that political decision-makers will transcend verbal condolences into playing a genuine and decisive role in stopping the aggression in Gaza?! They can do so if they want?!
Grand Imam At-Tayyeb pointed out that the situation in the Middle East has become complicated, warning that if this critical situation is not addressed, the entire world will slide into great danger and consequent disasters cannot be predicted. He stressed that the Zionist entity was planted in the region to make it a permanent theater for wars and conflicts and to weaken the region, militarily, politically, and economically, and seize its resources and wealth.
For his part, Mr. Borrell expressed his appreciation for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and his pivotal role in promoting the culture of peace and defending the rights of the oppressed. He also appreciated the Grand Imam’s significant contributions to promoting interfaith dialogue, noting that he shares with the Grand Imam his vision regarding the challenges in the Middle East and the region and that there is no solution to these crises except by establishing an independent Palestinian state, restoring to the Palestinians their full rights, and working to redress the imbalance of power. He added that the Palestinian state should also develop gradually, stressing that what the Palestinians are being subjected to of massacres and slaughters constitutes genocide. Hence, he commented, “We are making great efforts to bring a ceasefire in Gaza, and we hope that the European Union will be able to establish the foundations of peace and reach a humanitarian truce that leads to a complete cessation of aggression.”
Mr. Borrell also pointed out that he had never seen in his entire life an issue more complicated and divisive within the European Union than the Palestinian issue and what is happening in Gaza. Regarding weapons export to the occupying army, he noted, some EU countries still support the occupant with weapons and in global politics. He indicated that the EU submitted a proposal to impose sanctions on some “Israeli” officials in response to their hostile policies and statements that incite hatred. He also proposed imposing sanctions on everyone who participated in the crimes of genocide and massacres taking place in Gaza, noting that their authority stops at the mere proposal and there must be a unified position by the EU member states to approve the penalty, which has not been achieved. He stressed that the EU continues to exert more pressure toward stopping the aggression on Gaza.
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