Why it matters:
As Israel's military campaign in Gaza intensifies, Qalibaf’s remarks highlight Iran’s effort to galvanize global Muslim sentiment and political support for Palestinians amid growing international scrutiny of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
What he's saying:
Speaking at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque after attending Friday prayers alongside nearly 200,000 worshippers, Qalibaf said:
“While you and I speak in peace today, our brothers in Gaza are watching the sky from their homes, schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, wondering when the next Israeli airstrike will begin. Our Islamic duty is to stand united. We must not allow the global hegemonic system to continue committing the greatest genocide history has witnessed.”
Key points:
- Qalibaf’s participation in Friday prayers at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque underscores Iran’s broader strategy to mobilize Muslim unity against Israeli actions.
- Qalibaf emphasized that standing together against what he called the “greatest genocide in history” is not just a political stance, but a religious duty for Muslims worldwide.
Go deeper:
Gaza has been under intense Israeli bombardment since the October 2023 escalation, with thousands of civilians killed and widespread destruction reported by humanitarian organizations. Qalibaf’s remarks come at a time of intensified regional scrutiny over Israel’s genocide in Gaza. His speech at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque carries symbolic weight, signaling Iran’s intent to rally support from both Arab and non-Arab Muslim nations.
ahmad shirzadian
