On September 1, 2024, following the murder, by their Hamas captors, of six Israeli civilians kidnapped on October 7, 2023 and held hostage in Gaza ever since,[1] the Global Imams Council (GIC), an international non-governmental body of Muslim religious leaders based in Iraq, issued an English-language statement that "condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric actions of Hamas."[2]
Calling the murders of the hostages a violation of "all principles of humanity, religious teachings, and international law," it added that this was "a gross violation of the sacred laws of conflict as ordained by all major faith traditions, including Islam." The GIC stressed that it holds Hamas "directly responsible for the deaths and suffering of all innocent lives lost since October 7, as their actions have not only brought death and destruction upon the region but have also led to immense suffering for the Palestinian people..." The organization also stated that it recognizes "that the regime in Iran shares equal responsibility for these tragedies," since its ongoing support for Hamas's actions perpetuates "violence and instability in the region."
According to its website, the GIC is "the world's first and largest international NGO of Islamic religious leaders from all Islamic denominations." It advocates for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue, and for tackling extremist ideologies and militant Islam.[3]
The following is the text of the GIC statement condemning the murders of the six Israeli hostages:
Imams.org/gic-statement-on-the-execution-of-hostages-by-hamas-terrorists/
"The Global Imams Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric actions of Hamas, which have resulted in the brutal execution of six innocent hostages, among them a dual American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, in a tunnel in the Gaza city of Rafah. We are deeply saddened and outraged by these heinous murders, which violate all principles of humanity, religious teachings, and international law.
"The targeting and brutalization of civilians, especially those who are defenseless and held against their will, are acts of unmitigated evil. These actions represent a gross violation of the sacred laws of conflict as ordained by all major faith traditions, including Islam, which categorically prohibit the harming of innocents. Furthermore, these atrocities contravene international humanitarian laws, including the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to protect civilians during times of war.
"We hold Hamas directly responsible for the deaths and suffering of all innocent lives lost since October 7, as their actions have not only brought death and destruction upon the region but have also led to immense suffering for the Palestinian people. Hamas's reckless and inhumane tactics, using civilians as shields and exploiting their plight, have only escalated the cycle of violence and undermined the cause of justice and peace.
"Moreover, we recognize that the regime in Iran shares equal responsibility for these tragedies, as its continued support and endorsement of Hamas's actions perpetuate violence and instability in the region.
"We stand with all victims of this conflict, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, and we extend our deepest condolences to their families. Our prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and with those still living under the shadow of fear and uncertainty. It is our hope and prayer that justice will prevail and that the dignity and sanctity of human life will be upheld above all else.
"We call upon the international community, all religious leaders, and people of conscience to unite against these acts of terror and to work tirelessly towards a future where peace, justice, and respect for all human life are the foundations of our shared existence.
"May God guide us to a path of peace and grant solace to the hearts of the bereaved.
"The Global Imams Council (GIC)
Issued at the Islamic Seminary of Najaf, Iraq"
[1] As of this writing, 101 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity, including 35 who are believed to be dead.
[2] Imams.org/gic-statement-on-the-execution-of-hostages-by-hamas-terrorists.
[3] On January 27, 2023, the GIC issued a statement on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in which it pledged "to never forget the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the terrorist Nazis and their collaborators" and to "continue the fight against antisemitism and Holocaust denial and distortion." See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 10456, Global Imams Council Issues Statement On Occasion Of International Holocaust Remembrance Day: We Pledge To Remember The Six Million Jews Murdered In The Holocaust, Fight Extremism And Holocaust Denial, February 2, 2023. Additionally, in April 2024, following Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel, the GIC issued a statement condemning that attack: MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 11285, Global Imams Council Issues Statement Condemning Iran's Attack On Israel, April 18, 2024.
