Why did Al-Azhar delete its statement on the Gaza crisis? Details and official clarification

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif explained that the decision to delete its statement on the famine in Gaza came after realizing its potential negative impact on the ongoing negotiations to approve a humanitarian ceasefire in the sector, aimed at saving civilian lives and alleviating their suffering.

Al-Azhar affirmed in an official statement issued yesterday, Wednesday, that its positions on the Palestinian issue stem from its historical and religious responsibility towards the issues of the Arab and Islamic nation, including supporting the Palestinian people and standing by the people of Gaza. However, it saw that withdrawing the statement was a necessity dictated by the current delicate circumstances.

The statement stated that Al-Azhar courageously and responsibly decided to retract the statement that was published earlier, to avoid any political exploitation that could hinder progress in the negotiation process or use the statement as a pretext for bargaining or backtracking on peace efforts.

Al-Azhar added that its step was taken out of its keenness to prevent bloodshed, hoping that the talks would lead to a permanent agreement to cease fire and ensure the minimum requirements for a decent life for the besieged Palestinians in Gaza, once again calling for support for them through all possible means.

The deleted statement was published on Al-Azhar's official Facebook page on Tuesday evening and received wide interaction before being deleted minutes later.

The statement urged the international community to urgently act to save the people of Gaza, affirming that Al-Azhar absolves itself before Allah from "the suspicious global silence" and "the shameful international reluctance" towards the severe humanitarian suffering in the sector.

In the same context, Egypt welcomed the position of the foreign ministers of 25 countries who clearly called for an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and condemned Israeli practices, especially the prevention of humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in the sector.

Cairo reiterated its full rejection of the proposal to establish the so-called "humanitarian city" as an alternative solution, emphasizing that any attempt to displace Palestinians constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Egypt also reaffirmed its relentless efforts, in cooperation with Qatar and the United States, to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement, calling on the international community to take practical steps to support the two-state solution, including recognizing the independent Palestinian state with its borders as of June 4, 1967, and its capital East Jerusalem, and establishing a clear political path to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.