SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He called for urgent global efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than military aggression.
Mirwaiz said the situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza cannot be expressed in words anymore. Just yesterday, 92 people, including children, were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip as desperate Palestinians sought food amid an ongoing hunger crisis,” he said.
He condemned the attacks on civilians and humanitarian aid distribution points. “Each day, starving Palestinians gather to receive food aid, and even there, they are bombed and killed. What can be more horrifying and inhuman?” he asked.
He also expressed concern over the expansion of Israeli aggression to Iran, noting that hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed and thousands injured. “To make matters worse, there is now disturbing news that the United States may join in striking Iran,” he said.
Appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump, he said, “We urge the U.S. not to strike Iran and further escalate the situation. Such actions will push the region into a spiral of death, destruction, and revenge. Concerns on all sides can and must be addressed through peaceful engagement, not military might.”
He added that for the people of Kashmir, who share cultural and religious ties with the Middle East, these developments are deeply painful and alarming.
Marking the 61st foundation day of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), Mirwaiz reiterated his commitment to the principles on which the socio-political organisation was formed by Shaheed-e-Millat. “Even though AAC has recently been banned by the Government of India, we continue to believe in the ideals it stood for — peaceful dialogue, accountability, and justice,” he said.
He warned that the current global scenario, if left unchecked, could lead to catastrophic consequences. “Some analysts are warning that the world is inching closer to a third world war. In such times, nations must talk and restore trust to resolve conflicts sincerely.”
Mirwaiz also raised serious concerns about the health condition of senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. “I spoke to his wife yesterday. She informed me that he is in dire need of surgery, yet the family’s plea for bail on medical grounds has been rejected. They have not even been allowed to speak to him over the phone for the past two years,” he said.
He added that many other political prisoners are facing similar hardships due to prolonged incarceration and substandard jail conditions, which are affecting their health. “The prolonged imprisonment, without due legal process, has made the process itself a punishment. This violates the very principles the Indian legal system claims to uphold — human dignity, due process, and justice,” he stated.
Mirwaiz made a fervent appeal to the Government of India and the concerned authorities to ensure immediate medical care for Shabir Shah and allow his family to be with him. “I also urge the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir to raise this serious issue and extend all possible assistance,” he added. — (KIMS)