AL-AZHAR AL-SHARIF CALLS FOR RETURN TO TALKS, IMMEDIATE END TO WAR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Egypt’s religious institution Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has called on all parties to act rationally and prioritise wisdom, religious values and humanitarian principles in addressing the current crisis, as well as to return to the negotiating table. 

“Egypt’s religious institution Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has called on all parties to act rationally and prioritise wisdom, religious values and humanitarian principles in addressing the current crisis, as well as to return to the negotiating table.”

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, the institution also urged that the war in the Middle East be halted immediately and that the bloodshed of innocent civilians, especially children, be brought to an end immediately.

“Al-Azhar also rejects and condemns violations of the sovereignty of Arab states, including incursions into territories and resources, as well as threats to the security of civilian populations,” the statement said.

“These actions must cease immediately, as they are rejected by morality, religion and the law, regardless of any reason or justification,” it added.

The institution further reiterated its call on the international community to intervene to restore peace in the Middle East and prevent the conflict from expanding, as well as to take firm and immediate decisions to end the violence that continues to claim innocent civilian lives.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the United States (US) and Israel launched attacks on Saturday, followed by retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israel and several Gulf states hosting US military assets.

--BERNAMA