Muslim scholars body urges focus on Palestinians’ right

ISTANBUL 

The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has urged Muslims around the world to focus on the issue of Palestinians’ right to return to their homes.

In a written statement released Sunday to mark the 70th anniversary of Israel’s establishment -- an event that Arabs refer to as “The Nakba” or “The Catastrophe”, the IUMS Secretary General Ali al-Qaradaghi said: “It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, Palestinians’ right to return to their homes is reserved and Muslims need to focus on this.

“Palestine is the only banner that brings different parties together.”

He added it was out of the question for Palestinians to give up their right to return or give up their land.

Tension has been high across the Gaza border amid rallies demanding Palestinians' return to their homes in historical Palestine where they were driven out in 1948 to make way for the new state of Israel.

Reporting by Mohammad Murad Ahmad Abed and Gulsen Topcu:Writing by Sena Guler