Mass Protests in Pakistan Led by Jamaat-e-Islami Demand Action Against Israel's Gaza Operations Amid Humanitarian Crisis

US • Politics • 04/11 16:39
Mass Protests in Pakistan Led by Jamaat-e-Islami Demand Action Against Israel's Gaza Operations Amid Humanitarian Crisis

On April 11, 2025, tens of thousands of Pakistanis protested in major cities like Lahore and Karachi against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the demonstrations called for Muslim nations to declare a holy war to defend Palestinians. The protests coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 have died since October 2023. The National Palestine Conference in Islamabad condemned Israel's actions as genocide and criticized the UN and US for inaction. Pakistan's government reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and called for an independent state.

Key Updates

04/12 20:06

Israel Completes Morag Corridor, Isolating Rafah; Issues New Evacuation Orders Amid Intensified Gaza Military Operations

On April 12, 2025, the Israeli military completed the Morag Corridor, isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. This move escalates Israel's military campaign following the March 18 ceasefire collapse with Hamas. Israel issued new evacuation orders in southern Gaza, including Khan Younis, and conducted drone and artillery strikes, causing civilian casualties. The blockade on humanitarian aid continues, worsening the crisis for Gaza's 2.1 million residents. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, while international organizations criticize the actions as potential war crimes.

04/12 13:08

Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks; Majority of Israelis Support Truce for Hostage Release

On March 18, 2025, Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza after a six-week ceasefire collapsed. The Israeli Defense Forces expanded operations, including establishing the Morag Axis security corridor. Despite 69% of Israelis supporting a permanent ceasefire for hostage release, public protests and dissent among military reservists are growing. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. International protests and humanitarian concerns continue as the conflict persists.

04/12 12:06

Over 500 Palestinian Children Killed in Gaza as Israeli Air Raids Intensify Post-Truce Collapse

Since the ceasefire collapse on March 18, 2025, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed over 1,500 Palestinians, including at least 500 children, according to the Gaza Civil Defence and Palestinian Ministry of Health. The UN confirmed that many strikes resulted in casualties of only women and children. The Israeli military's expanded offensive has targeted residential areas and 'safe zones,' causing significant civilian casualties. The humanitarian crisis worsens with severe shortages of basic necessities and medical supplies, while international concern grows over the scale of civilian casualties and potential forcible transfers.

04/12 01:08

Israeli Military Reservists Demand Ceasefire and Hostage Release Amid Gaza Conflict, Criticize Netanyahu's Approach

Nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists and hundreds from intelligence and naval units have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Their protest, via open letters, has been met with threats of dismissal by Israeli military leaders. As the conflict enters its 18th month, criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach is growing, with accusations of prioritizing political interests over hostages' lives. Since March, over 1,500 Palestinians have died in renewed Israeli strikes, raising the total death toll to over 50,000.

04/11 20:38

Israeli Air Force to Dismiss Reservists for Gaza War Criticism; Red Cross Calls Gaza 'Hell on Earth' Amid Humanitarian Crisis

On April 11, 2025, the Israeli military announced the dismissal of air force reservists who criticized the Gaza war, citing a breach of trust. Nearly 1,000 personnel signed a letter accusing the government of prolonging the conflict. The Red Cross described Gaza as 'hell on earth,' with severe shortages due to a blockade. Since March, 1,542 Palestinians have died, and 400,000 have been displaced. A mass grave with 15 emergency workers was found, prompting calls for investigations. The UN warns of Gaza's uninhabitability, while Israel claims compliance with international law.

04/11 16:39

Mass Protests in Pakistan Led by Jamaat-e-Islami Demand Action Against Israel's Gaza Operations Amid Humanitarian Crisis

On April 11, 2025, tens of thousands of Pakistanis protested in major cities like Lahore and Karachi against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the demonstrations called for Muslim nations to declare a holy war to defend Palestinians. The protests coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 have died since October 2023. The National Palestine Conference in Islamabad condemned Israel's actions as genocide and criticized the UN and US for inaction. Pakistan's government reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and called for an independent state.

04/10 22:39

Israel Expands Gaza 'Security Zones' to Rafah, Intensifies Pressure on Hamas Amid Hostage Crisis

Israel has expanded its 'security zones' in the Gaza Strip to include Rafah, intensifying military operations to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the move, stating the IDF aims to isolate Hamas. The expansion has led to mass evacuations, with 390,000 Palestinians displaced amid a humanitarian crisis. Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing, with Hamas accepting a proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Israel has countered with its own terms. The IDF's strategy includes controlling areas from the Morag to Philadelphi Corridors, affecting aid delivery and civilian movement.

04/10 18:41

Greenpeace UK Leader Will McCallum and Activists Arrested at US Embassy in London for Anti-Gaza War Protest

Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, and five other activists were arrested on April 10 after pouring 300 liters of red dye into a pond at the U.S. Embassy in London. The protest aimed to criticize U.S. arms sales to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Greenpeace described the action as peaceful and symbolic, highlighting the human cost of the war. The activists were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and conspiracy to cause criminal damage. The U.S. Embassy condemned the act, citing environmental damage, which Greenpeace disputed.

04/10 04:06

Israeli Airstrike in Gaza's Shujaiya Kills 35, Targets Senior Hamas Operative

An Israeli airstrike on April 9, 2025, in Gaza City's Shujaiya neighborhood killed at least 35 people and injured over 55, according to medical sources. The strike demolished a four-story building, trapping many under the debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing. The Israeli military claimed the target was a senior Hamas operative but did not confirm the individual's identity or death. The attack has intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed and aid deliveries severely restricted. The incident has drawn international condemnation and calls for a ceasefire.

04/09 16:40

Israeli Airstrike in Gaza City Kills 23, Including 8 Children; Target Was Senior Hamas Operative

An Israeli airstrike on Gaza City's Shejaiya neighborhood killed at least 23 people, including eight children, and injured over 70, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense. The Israeli military confirmed targeting a senior Hamas operative, Haitham al-Sheikh, allegedly responsible for attacks on Israel. The densely populated area has faced repeated bombardments. Rescue efforts continue, with many believed trapped under rubble. Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians. The incident follows the collapse of a ceasefire and ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Mass Mobilization Across Pakistan

In Lahore, an estimated 15,000 people gathered under the banner of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. The rally was one of the largest in recent months, reflecting growing public anger over the continued violence in Gaza. Similar demonstrations were held in Karachi, where business districts observed a complete shutter-down strike in solidarity with Palestinians.

The protests were not limited to religious groups. Trade associations such as the Karachi Electronic Dealers Association and Karachi Tajir Ittehad also joined the movement, organizing protest camps and urging shopkeepers to close their businesses as a symbolic gesture. “This is a moral obligation,” said Rizwan Irfan, President of the Karachi Electronic Dealers Association. “We stand with the people of Gaza.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Leads the Charge

Jamaat-e-Islami, a prominent religio-political party in Pakistan, spearheaded the nationwide call for demonstrations. The party’s leader, Naeem Ur Rehman, addressed the crowd in Lahore, urging all Muslim nations to declare a holy war in defense of Gaza. “The time for mere condemnation is over,” he said. “It is the duty of the Islamic world to rise and protect our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

The party has long maintained a hardline stance on the Palestinian issue and has been vocal in its criticism of both Israel and its Western allies. Friday’s rally was part of a broader campaign launched by JI to mobilize public opinion and pressure the Pakistani government and other Muslim-majority countries to take concrete action.

National Palestine Conference Issues Strong Declaration

In Islamabad, the National Palestine Conference (NPC) convened on Thursday, issuing a joint declaration that condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. The declaration criticized the United Nations Security Council for its inaction and denounced the United States for repeatedly vetoing resolutions aimed at halting the violence.

Prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, speaking at the conference, called for a complete boycott of Israeli products and declared jihad an obligatory duty for all Muslim governments. “Israel is a state terrorist,” he said. “Its history is one of murder and destruction. The world must not remain silent.”

Usmani also lambasted the United Nations, calling it a “toy” in the hands of Israel and the U.S., and expressed outrage over continued bombings in Gaza despite ceasefire agreements. He accused the U.S. Secretary of State of endorsing Israeli aggression, citing a controversial statement that suggested unwavering American support for Israel regardless of the civilian death toll.

Government of Pakistan Condemns Israeli Actions

The Pakistani government issued a strong statement condemning the “continued aggression and atrocities committed by Israeli occupying forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza.” The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.

President Asif Ali Zardari also weighed in, urging the international community to take decisive action to stop what he described as the “genocide of innocent Palestinians.” He emphasized the need to preserve the sanctity of holy sites and prevent further loss of life.

Broader Context and International Response

The protests in Pakistan are part of a wider wave of global demonstrations in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the conflict reignited in October 2023, international efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire have repeatedly failed. Reports indicate that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, including a significant number of women and children.

Pakistan, which does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, has consistently called for a permanent ceasefire and has supported the Palestinian cause in international forums. The country’s stance has remained firm, with officials and civil society alike demanding accountability for what they describe as war crimes and human rights violations.

Calls for Unified Muslim Action

A recurring theme in both the rallies and the NPC conference was the call for unity among Muslim nations. Speakers emphasized that the defense of Palestine is not just a regional issue but a collective responsibility of the Islamic world. “This is not just Pakistan’s fight,” said one NPC delegate. “It is the duty of every Muslim nation to stand up against oppression.”

The declaration from the NPC urged Muslim states to take “unanimous actions against the aggressor,” including economic boycotts, diplomatic pressure, and, if necessary, military intervention. The rhetoric marked a significant escalation in tone, reflecting the deep frustration over the perceived ineffectiveness of international diplomacy.

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People Also Ask...

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How might these protests in Pakistan impact international relations or financial markets, especially with the call for a holy war?

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How might Pakistan's protests influence its foreign policy or relations with other Muslim-majority countries?

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Why are so many people in Pakistan protesting against Israel right now?