ISTANBUL

The International Union of Muslim Scholars has called for a global strike on Monday to demand an immediate cease-fire as Israel continues its attacks in the Gaza Strip.

The statement called on people worldwide, especially in the Islamic world, to take part and urged institutions, parties, movements and influential figures globally to continue the strike until its objectives are achieved, aiming to stop the "unjust" war and save innocent lives.

It noted the success of boycotts and humanitarian efforts but highlighted the UN Security Council's failure to stop the war.

It suggested a review of the Security Council’s veto system, proposing that decisions be based on a simple majority vote.

Ali Al-Qaradaghi, the Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, emphasized that the union's global strike call is a message of support for the Palestinian cause and a call to the world to stop the war in Gaza.

Al-Qaradaghi emphasized the strike's significance as a protest option, given the international community's failure to stop the war in Gaza.

He said Muslims can contribute to the campaign's success by inviting others to join the strike and conveying the message openly.

"I call on everyone to actively participate in (the) comprehensive strike, to stand together against injustice and oppression," he said.

Israel resumed its military offensive on the Gaza Strip on Dec. 1 after the end of a weeklong humanitarian pause with the Palestinian group Hamas.

Nearly 18,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 49,229 others injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the enclave since Oct. 7 following a cross-border attack by Hamas.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stood at 1,200, according to official figures.