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Religious Conference in Cairo Warns of Extremist Groups' Comeback

The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
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Religious Conference in Cairo Warns of Extremist Groups' Comeback

The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat

Representatives of 50 states have warned at a religious conference in Cairo that extremist groups are seeking to reorganize in more than 55 countries

The conference was organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf in Cairo under the theme “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence” and under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the presence of 500 personalities including 50 muftis, scholars and ministers from across the world.

Participants at the 30th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs said that its aim is to combat extremism.

Representing Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Endowments Mohammed Mokhtar Jomaa said in his inaugural speech that the state’s power also means the power of the people, the country, and the nation.

Jomaa stressed that extremist groups rise from the ruins of the state, and their personal interest tops that of the country.

Dr. Nazeer Mohamed Ayyad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Institute, said in his speech as a representative of Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb that coexistence is based on justice, safety and equality among society’s individuals regardless of their sects and beliefs.

Ayyad added that Islamic history is rich in events and incidents that prove equality and respect for everyone.

Further, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh said that the conference’s theme comes at a delicate time in the nation’s history due to the fabricated information and misconceptions promoted by extremist terrorist groups.

Al-Sheikh extended thanks to Sisi for his sincere defense of the country against terrorists.

Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam affirmed that the Prophet Mohammed set the 'Charter of Medina' to reinforce coextensive and tolerance. He then started building the state economically and militarily. Then enemies started to spread rumors against the state, similar to terrorist extremist groups nowadays.

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Darian said: “Our mission is to back security and stability and the only way to achieve this is through the state.”

Mauritanian Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education Dah Ould Sidi Ould Amar Taleb asserted that state building hinges on education, work, morals and love for nations.

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Arab World

Smotrich Again Calls For Reduction of Half of Gaza’s Population

Settler activists dance at a conference calling for the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza, close to the Israel-Gaza border, October 21, 2024. (Jeremy Sharon/Times of Israel)
Settler activists dance at a conference calling for the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza, close to the Israel-Gaza border, October 21, 2024. (Jeremy Sharon/Times of Israel)
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Smotrich Again Calls For Reduction of Half of Gaza’s Population

Settler activists dance at a conference calling for the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza, close to the Israel-Gaza border, October 21, 2024. (Jeremy Sharon/Times of Israel)
Settler activists dance at a conference calling for the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza, close to the Israel-Gaza border, October 21, 2024. (Jeremy Sharon/Times of Israel)

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday again called for the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the reduction of its Palestinian population “by half within two years,” raising concerns about the presence of similar plans.
Speaking at a conference organized by the Yesha Council, an umbrella group representing Israeli municipalities in the West Bank, Smotrich said that “it is possible to create a situation where Gaza’s population will be reduced to half its current size in two years.”
“It won’t cost too much money. Even if it does, we should not be afraid to pay for it,” he added.
Smotrich’s calls for the occupation of Gaza are not new. However, they reflect the unstated goals of the current war in Gaza, including a prolonged occupation, military rule and rebuilding of settlements.
Israel continues to announce that its goals of the Gaza war are the “elimination of Hamas” and “returning of the captives.” However, developments in Tel Aviv and the Gaza Strip do not support such claims.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet announced a plan for the post-war phase in Gaza, where Israel is working to deepen its control by expanding the axes it holds and establishing permanent military outposts.
Meanwhile, Smotrich’s speech revealed that the minister is setting a budget for the occupation of Gaza.
He said that “Occupying Gaza is not a dirty word.”
“If the cost of security control is 5 billion shekels ($1.37 billion), I will accept it with open arms. If that is what it takes to ensure the security of Israel, then so be it,” the Minister added.
He appeared to be referencing concerns raised by members of Israel’s security establishment along with Treasury officials who have warned about the massive implications that occupying Gaza would have on Israel’s economy.
Smotrich insisted that the only way to defeat Hamas is to replace its governing capabilities in Gaza and that Israel is the only party that can do so, even if that means making the Israeli Army responsible for managing the civilian affairs of Palestinians in Gaza.
Smotrich claimed that once the success of “encouraged migration” is proven in Gaza, it can be replicated in the West Bank, where another three million Palestinians live.
The Religious Zionism party chairman has long spoken in favor of annexing large parts of the West Bank and declared earlier this month that US President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory offers an opportunity to see that vision through.
Smotrich was one of several government ministers who attended an event last month calling for the reestablishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza.
Ahead of his attendance at the conference, Smotrich said that territory relinquished by Israel in the past had turned into “Iranian forward terror bases,” and endangered the country.
But is Smotrich capable of reoccupying and rebuilding settlements in Gaza? For many Israelis, the matter depends on how the war in the Strip ends.
In an article published by The Times of Israel, Eran Hildesheim accused Smotrich of trying to convince the public of a new narrative that if Israel achieves its goals in the war and defeats its enemies, peace and security will return to the region.
The author said this narrative aims primarily to prepare the public opinion that the war should continue, while at the same time promoting the vision of rebuilding settlements in the Gaza Strip.
According to Hildesheim, “the end of the war, as Smotrich put it, implies a large land seizure in the Gaza Strip.”
In the first phase, the minister said the army would distribute food to the population.
Later, Smotrich plans a full military rule to directly manage the lives of the Palestinian population. The ultimate goal of this plan is to rebuild settlements in the Gaza Strip.
“Smotrich's vision places an unbearably heavy financial burden on Israel,” Hildesheim wrote.
He added that such a plan would cost about NIS 20 billion per year, not taking into account the costs of rebuilding the Strip.
He said while the state does not currently own this amount, Israel will therefore be forced to adopt an “economy based on God’s help” to get out of this situation peacefully.