Toowoomba’s religious leaders speak out on the Israel-Gaza war

Toowoomba’s religious leaders have spoken out about the attacks on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza which began after widespread assaults by Hamas militants. Here’s what they had to say.

As war continues across Israel and the Gaza Strip, Toowoomba’s religious leaders have spoken out to discuss the ongoing issue.

Founding president of the Islamic Society of Toowoomba and UniSQ honorary professor Dr Shahjahan Khan explained there was a deep history of conflict between Palestine and Israel that had caused tensions to rise, but it did not justify the killing of innocent people.

Professor Shahjahan Khan. Monday, May 30, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“It is a result of generations of frustration, and discrimination … that has led to desperation,” Dr Khan said.

“Every nation has the right to self-defence but not at the expense of the other nation.

“But unfortunately, the anger, and frustration have led to something like this due to inaction from big powers and lack of any progress in the recognition of the state of Palestine even after more than 70 years.”

RAMOT NAFTALI, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 15: An Israeli soldier hugs a woman near the border with Lebanon on October 15, 2023 in Ramot Naftali, Israel. Israel has sealed off Gaza and launched sustained retaliatory air strikes, which have killed at least 1,400 people with more than 400,000 displaced, after large-scale attack by Hamas. On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing over 1,300 people and wounding around 2,800. Israeli soldiers and civilians have also been taken hostage by Hamas and moved into Gaza. The attack prompted a declaration of war by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the announcement of an emergency wartime government. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Dr Khan explained that taking one side was not helpful, instead, there needed to be a solution to help both Palestinians and Israelis.

“Israel is expanding illegal settlements regularly by evicting Palestinians and demolishing houses, businesses, and farms of Palestinians to accommodate foreign Jewish immigrants,” Dr Khan said.

Dr Khan continued to explain that former United States President Jimmy Carter once termed Gaza as an “open air prison” as Israel controlled its borders, food, water, fuel, and even who goes out and comes into the 365sq km cage for 2.5 million Arabs who were refugees in their own ancestral homeland.

“We need to do something to settle this issue … blaming one side is not sustainable,” Dr Khan said.

Pure Land Learning College co-ordinator Haniff Abdul Razak said the Pure Land Learning College strived to bring people together.

Garulbo committee member Tyrone Pearce (left) and Haniff Abdul Razak of Pure Land Learning College finalise details for the First Nation Conference, Monday, July 5, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“What is happening right now is very sad,” Mr Razak said.

“In Toowoomba, things are good we have a diverse culture … we continue to try to look at the positives.”

In response, Mr Razak said the community would be organising a prayer for peace, goodwill and unity in diversity on Thursday October 19 at St James Church in response to the ongoing trouble internationally.

A brief summary of the Israeli-Arab War

In 1947, the United Nations Palestinian and Israeli tensions provided a solution to split Palestine into a “Jewish State” and an “Arab State”.

However, this solution was not recognised by all, and conflict continued.

On May 15, 1948, Israel declared independence, beginning the Israeli-Arab War and an ongoing battle for land ownership.

Since then, Palestinian land has been slowly stripped away, with Israeli powers continuing to take over Arab territories.

In 1987, Palestine began their first attempt at self-determination, a lengthy battle to take over the land it once had.

The second attempt in 2000, led to the agreement that Palestine could take back Gaza and the West Bank.

However, an election won by the Hamas to control the Gaza Strip subsequently led to Israel imposing a blockade around the territory.

From then on, tensions have been ongoing between the Hamas and the Israelis.

The UN reported since 2008, 6400 Palestinians and 300 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.