Srinagar, June 20 (KNS): Delivering his sermon at Jama Masjid on Friday, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He appealed for restraint and peaceful dialogue, urging U.S. President Donald Trump not to strike Iran, warning such a move would push the region toward further devastation.

In a statement issued to KNS, Mirwaiz condemned the recent killing of 92 Palestinians, including children, in Israeli airstrikes while they were waiting for food aid. “Even starving civilians are being bombed — this is horrifying and inhuman,” he said. He also noted that Israel’s strikes have extended to Iran, causing civilian casualties, and that any U.S. military involvement would worsen the crisis.

Marking the 61st foundation day of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which was recently banned by the Indian government, Mirwaiz reaffirmed his commitment to the organization's founding principles of peaceful resolution and accountability.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Dialogue remains the only way to address conflicts and restore global trust,” he said.

He also raised serious concern over the health of jailed Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. Shah is reportedly in urgent need of surgery and has been denied both medical care and contact with his family for the past two years.

Mirwaiz said Shah’s wife informed him that their medical bail plea had been rejected. He called the situation inhumane and urged the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to provide immediate medical treatment and allow family access.

“Don’t make the process the punishment. Respect the basic rights and dignity of all political prisoners,” he appealed. (KNS)