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SUPKEM urges Muslim community to pray for peace in Palestine this Eid-ul-Fitr

A file photo of Hassan ole Naado, the national chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims. (Photo: X/ Jamia Mosque Nairobi)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Since Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza last October, over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including 14,500 children and 9,500 women.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has called upon the Muslim community to unite in prayers for the peace and well-being of the Palestinian people as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Haji Hassan ole Naado, the national chairman of SUPKEM, emphasised the significance of offering prayers for Palestinians, urging the international community to uphold the United Nations Security Council resolution advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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"As we observe Eid-ul-Fitr, the Supreme Council urges the Muslim community to pray for the peace and tranquillity of the Palestinian people, while also urging the international community to ensure the enforcement of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza," he said in a statement.

He expressed profound concern for the suffering endured by Palestinians, as many lives have been lost and countless others are grappling with dire humanitarian challenges.

"We are deeply troubled by the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank territories, who are observing this year's Eid-ul-Fitr amidst a devastating conflict that has claimed the lives of thousands, including men, women, and children, and has plunged hundreds of thousands into a humanitarian crisis. We remain cognizant of the fact that there are many people across the world who will be marking this year's Eid-ul-Fitr under very difficult circumstances," he said.

"On behalf of SUPKEM, I extend heartfelt Eid Mubarak to all Muslim faithful who, by the Grace of Allah, were able to observe the fast during the just concluded holy of Ramadhan. Similarly, I pray that those who were unable to fast for any reason are granted the opportunity to do so by the Grace and Mercy of Allah in the coming Ramadan."

Since Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza last October, over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including 14,500 children and 9,500 women.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the urgent need for decisive action to address the dire situation in Gaza, labelling the conflict as one of the deadliest.

He cautioned that the region is on the brink of mass starvation, potential regional conflict, and a breakdown in global standards and norms.

"The war in Gaza is the deadliest of conflicts in terms of its rapid escalation, widespread devastation, and brutal impact on civilians. Six months on, we stand on the brink of mass starvation, regional turmoil, and a complete erosion of confidence in international standards and norms. It’s time to step back from that brink to silence the guns, to ease the horrible suffering, and to stop a potential famine before it is too late,” he said.

"I reiterate my urgent appeals for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance."