After two years of destruction, the
are, offering a glimpse of hope. U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal offers a pathway for the return of remaining Israeli hostages and a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Such progress should be welcomed, reminding us of the enduring power of dialogue and justice to guide us toward reconciliation. As the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, I deeply feel the significance of this moment. With positive momentum in negotiations between politicians and diplomats, religious leaders now have a crucial role in establishing lasting peace.
The scars are profound. Hamas’s violent attack on Oct. 7, 2023, resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths in Israel. Many of the approximately 250 hostages taken that day have since died, their suffering and that of their families
. The subsequent two years have brought immense devastation to Gaza. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost
, including countless children whose lives were tragically cut short. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, hospitals are struggling to function, and families face
.
For those still living, daily life is marked by loss, exhaustion, and severe hunger. This conflict has once again demonstrated that violence only begets more violence, and the international community’s focus must shift from envisioning peace to actively building it. The ceasefire agreement marks only the beginning.
Amidst this tragedy, support for recognizing Palestine has been growing. Following recent announcements by Britain, France, and other nations, over 150 United Nations member states officially recognize the state of Palestine, reflecting a broad global consensus that two independent nations are the only feasible path to peace. Additionally, in mid-September, the
endorsed a declaration on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question, advocating for concrete steps toward a two-state solution by establishing a clear timeline for progress, condemning Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, and demanding the immediate release of hostages and an end to the conflict in Gaza. This vote represented a clear indication that the international community views peace as attainable only through two states coexisting peacefully.
Of course, recognition alone will not guarantee lasting peace, but it establishes a foundation for negotiations and restores hope. Recent events underscore a clear diplomatic shift. Therefore, religious leaders must also fulfill their essential spiritual role by bridging divides, fostering trust, and helping to heal the wounds of war.
This year, I have engaged with numerous leaders globally, from government ministers to prominent religious figures, in discussions that transcend cultures and viewpoints. This dialogue serves a clear purpose: to maintain open lines of communication until lasting peace becomes a reality. Our pursuit of peace is global, founded on the belief that dignity and coexistence can only be ensured when dialogue remains active. The Muslim World League will continue to promote dialogue across faiths and nations, believing that peace built on mutual recognition is both achievable and necessary.
This is most pressing in Gaza and Israel, where two years of devastation have left families shattered and entire communities on the brink, on both sides. History will not forgive inaction. The international community must find the courage to guarantee that both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
For too long, the hearts of both Muslims and Jewish people have been broken, and we cannot allow this tragedy to persist. We have witnessed how hatred can permeate our streets and places of worship, fracturing the bonds that unite communities.
Acts of violence have highlighted the fragility of coexistence and how quickly fear can replace understanding. These moments remind us that peace efforts must also begin at home, in towns, schools, and neighborhoods, wherever intolerance and resentment take root worldwide. Ending the war is only the initial step, as lasting peace requires rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and renewing our commitment to one another.
The ceasefire is a crucial first step, but more is needed, not only from politicians but also from faith leaders, to bridge divides and unite our communities to heal the wounds inflicted by this war.
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