Grand Mufti reaffirms solidarity with Gaza at Istanbul Humanitarian Summit

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdellatif Derian, reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Gaza during the International Humanitarian Aid Summit held in Istanbul under the theme "For Gaza," Wednesday.

"Yes, we in Lebanon are supportive, a support that is important for our brothers, the steadfast people of Palestine, whom we honor for defending their land and dignity despite the thousands of martyrs, the injured, and the disabled. Israel will not be able to break the will of the people of Gaza, ..the will of the people of Gaza will not be broken again," Derian said.

"From the very first moment of the Zionist aggression against our people in Gaza, we have not hesitated to support them in both words and deeds. We even reached the heart of Gaza to stand with our people," Derian said.

He added, "At Dar al-Fatwa, we have never abandoned the Palestinian cause. For decades, we have been leaders in Lebanon in supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle to liberate their land from the usurping Zionist enemy. Dar al-Fatwa established the 'Charity Fund' decades ago to aid Palestinians, and we have provided, with our modest resources, all forms of support — food, in-kind, and financial assistance — even under the most difficult conditions during this war. This is our duty to our people and our cause."

Derian emphasized, "Even during the fiercest battles in Gaza, we reached the heart of Gaza with our humanitarian aid. The Charity Fund continues, and will continue, to provide the necessary support according to our capabilities."

One month into the declaration of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israel has violated the agreement with near-daily attacks, killing hundreds of people. Israel violated the ceasefire agreement at least 282 times from Oct. 10 to Nov. 10, through the continuation of attacks by air, artillery and direct shootings, the Government Media Office in Gaza reported Tuesday.