The fourth edition of the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference opened Friday, August 1, 2025, in the holy city of Karbala under the slogan “From Karbala to Palestine: A Journey of Sacrifice for Freedom and Dignity.”
The event brought together over 400 figures from 60 countries in a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Held under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS), the annual conference has been convened since 2022 as a global platform linking the legacy of Imam Hussein’s uprising with the Palestinian cause—viewed by participants as a universal struggle for justice and human rights.
A Global Gathering for Palestine
Since its inception, the conference has attracted delegations from over 70 countries, comprising scholars, academics, intellectuals, and activists. The discussions this year firmly focused on the Palestinian struggle and the ongoing siege of Gaza.
Participants condemned what they described as “brutal massacres” perpetrated by the Israeli occupation and called for an immediate end to the violence. They urged the Islamic world to unite in defense of Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause.
Voices from the Ground
Al-Manar’s correspondent, Hasan Khalife, covered the event and reported strong messages of support from diverse delegations.
A Chinese delegation from China’s Pandas Aid, supporting the people of Gaza, which has played an active role in delivering aid to Gaza, received particular praise for its solidarity efforts.
Turkish MP Dogan Bekin, deputy head of the New Welfare Party, called for Muslim nations to close ranks in defense of Palestine.
American political commentator Jackson Hinkle, also present in Karbala, said his participation was an expression of support for Gaza and condemnation of the Israeli enemy’s crimes.
Final Statement: Resistance as the Sole Path
In its closing statement, the conference reaffirmed resistance as the only path to liberate Palestine and all Islamic holy sites. It called for the dismantling of the Israeli entity and pledged continued support for the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza and the West Bank. The statement also emphasized the need to strengthen Islamic unity through the shared cause of Palestine.
Source: Al-Manar Website
