As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 1,000th day, educator Faysal Arslan called on Muslims around the world to keep Gaza, Palestine, and Al-Aqsa Mosque at the forefront of their concerns, warning that allowing the suffering of Palestinians to fade from public consciousness would only embolden the occupation and prolong the tragedy.

Speaking to ILKHA, Arslan described the situation in Gaza as an ongoing genocide and one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes of modern times.

"1,000 Days of Genocide and Humanitarian Catastrophe"

Drawing attention to the scale of destruction inflicted on Gaza since October 7, 2023, Arslan said Palestinians have endured relentless bombardment, displacement, hunger, and loss on an unprecedented scale.

"For 1,000 days, Gaza has been witnessing genocide and an unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe," he said. "Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, families wiped out, and countless innocent civilians, including women and children, have been killed."

According to Arslan, the suffering of Gaza's population is not an isolated event but part of a broader historical injustice that Palestinians have endured for generations.

Condemnation of Western Support for Israel

Arslan sharply criticized the United States and several European governments, accusing them of providing political and diplomatic cover for Israel's actions while continuing to present themselves as defenders of human rights.

"They speak about democracy, human rights, and humanitarian values, yet they remain silent while Palestinians are massacred," he said. "History has repeatedly exposed this hypocrisy. We do not expect those who openly support the occupation to stop this genocide."

He argued that international institutions and major powers have failed to protect Palestinian civilians despite mounting evidence of widespread destruction and humanitarian suffering.

"Why Is the Muslim World Silent?"

Arslan said one of the most troubling aspects of the crisis has been what he described as the insufficient response from the Muslim world.

"The most painful question today is why Muslims remain so silent," he said.

He stressed that the events unfolding in Gaza are the continuation of a struggle that predates the current war and extends back decades.

"What intensified after October 7 is part of a tragedy that has lasted for more than a century. Palestinians have faced displacement, occupation, imprisonment, hunger, and killing for generations."

According to Arslan, countless Palestinians have been driven from their homes, imprisoned, or killed as a result of the occupation, while many others continue to endure siege and hardship.

"Gaza Must Never Be Removed From Our Agenda"

Calling for greater solidarity with the Palestinian people, Arslan urged Muslims not to allow Gaza to disappear from public discourse.

"The Muslim Ummah, which numbers nearly two billion people, cannot remain merely a spectator," he said. "Failing to support those resisting oppression ultimately serves the interests of the oppressor."

He emphasized that Palestine should remain a permanent priority for Muslims worldwide.

"As Muslims, we must never allow Gaza to be forgotten. Palestine must remain one of our foremost causes."

Teaching Future Generations About Palestine

Arslan also stressed the importance of educating children about Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"We must teach our children the history of Palestine, the significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the status of Jerusalem," he said. "Future generations must understand both their history and their responsibility."

He argued that preserving awareness of the Palestinian cause is essential to ensuring that future generations continue to advocate for justice and defend the rights of the Palestinian people.

Warning Against Normalizing the Genocide

Arslan warned that supporters of the occupation are counting on public attention to fade over time.

"They know that if enough time passes, people will forget," he said. "Once Gaza is forgotten, the massacres will continue and the occupation will expand further."

He urged people not to become desensitized to the suffering in Gaza and to reject efforts to normalize what is taking place.

Call for Continued Action and Solidarity

Encouraging individuals to contribute in whatever way they can, Arslan called for continued support for humanitarian organizations, awareness campaigns, boycotts, and public advocacy efforts.

"If all we can do today is keep Gaza alive in public consciousness and support relief organizations, then we must do that," he said.

He warned that the consequences of unchecked aggression could extend beyond Palestine.

"Today it is Palestine. Tomorrow it could be Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and eventually Türkiye. There is no limit to the ambitions of those who seek domination."

"Do Not Forget Gaza"

Concluding his remarks, Arslan made a final appeal for vigilance and solidarity.

"Please do not forget what is happening," he said. "Let us educate our children, raise awareness in our communities, and keep Gaza, Palestine, Al-Aqsa, and the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters at the center of our concerns."

As Gaza reaches the grim milestone of 1,000 days of war, Arslan's message echoed a growing call among pro-Palestinian voices for continued solidarity, humanitarian support, and international action to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and secure justice for Gaza. (ILKHA)