The murder of three Israeli youths and another Palestinian, allegedly committed by extremists on both sides, together with the collapse of the peace dialogues promoted by the United States, unleashed again the tension and conflict that has been going on since 2012.
This year, due to multiple attacks and threats from Israel, there are already more than 1,830 dead in the Gaza Strip. Israel has stated that Hamas's political position has been the cause of the current war. For their part, the Palestinians accuse Israel of initiating the attacks and violating the international right to life.
Ahmad Tayel, who has lived in Colombia for 22 of his 53 years, is of Syrian origin and Colombian national, is the current director of the Abou Bakr Alsiddi Mosque in Bogotá.
What is the position of the Mosque in the face of the conflict?
AT: In the face of any type of conflict, the Mosque rejects all military clashes between human groups, regardless of their religion. It is a pity what is happening, as the former President of Brazil said, the United Nations was very quick to create a State in 1947 and they have been very slow to establish another one for the people of Palestine, which has long claimed its rights to have a State on their territory, which is theirs.
The world only sees two deaths from the Israeli army but does not see 1,900 victims of the Palestinian civilian people.
What do you think of Israel's attacks on Palestine?
AT: I think what thousands of people around the world think, Muslims, Christians, Jews, atheists… There are many Jews who reject what is happening, just this morning I was reading an article in English by an Anglican Bishop of South Africa, who spoke on the common awakening of the peoples regardless of religion, who are waking up to the reality that there are injustices against the Palestinians in Gaza, a people who have no way out and no way to get the most basic things for life since Israel controls land, air and sea access.
In this way we are against an injustice, not the one who perpetuated it.
Do you think that all religions deserve the same importance?
AT: Of course, religions form the necessary colors to demonstrate that humans if we are able to coexist peacefully with each other, the fact that these different colors exist, demonstrates and proves that we can communicate.
What do I think would happen if the truce in the Gaza Strip is lifted?
AT: Despite the rejection of many free thinkers and cults around the world, including here in Colombia, whose conscience is awakened despite not being Muslims, I believe and believe that Israel will continue to exercise injustice against the people of Gaza.
What should happen to the territory (Holy Land) they are fighting for?
AT: The UN resolutions that determine which part belongs to each one should be respected.
A religious war, is it a justified war?
AT: Regardless of religion, ideology or political current, injustice is an injustice, if they were Jews I would say the same thing, if they were Christians I would say the same thing, and if they were atheists I would keep saying the same thing.
What is the solution to the conflict?
AT: A big step on the road to settlement is for the United Nations to play the role it has to play.
If you were in the Gaza Strip, how would you act?
AT: I would write against injustice.
Finally, it can be said that, without taking sides with either side, unfortunately, in the middle of the 21st century, we are facing a conflict that violates the international right to life, and to live freely and sovereignly in our own land. This war starring Israel and Palestine for their political and religious beliefs, is a clear example of intolerance and violation of human thought.
