In a powerful and timely statement, the Global Imams Council—a group of Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders from around the world—has publicly condemned Hamas for its recent execution of six hostages, including an American citizen.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In a powerful and timely statement, the Global Imams Council—a group of Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders from around the world—has publicly condemned Hamas for its recent execution of six hostages, including an American citizen. This stance is especially significant given the Middle East's complexities of religion and politics. By taking this stand, the council reminds the world that values like justice, compassion, and human life's dignity are central to Islamic teachings and global humanity, no matter the circumstances.
For instance, the brutal execution of hostages in Gaza is a clear violation of Islamic law, which emphasizes the protection of innocent lives. Civilians, especially those held against their will, should never be harmed, as this goes against the core values of Islam. This incident vividly illustrates how far Hamas has strayed from these principles, underscoring the importance of the Global Imams Council’s call for accountability and justice.
The council made its condemnation of Hamas unmistakably clear. In their statement, they expressed deep outrage over the killings, describing them as violations of basic human decency, religious teachings, and international law. This strong language reflects the gravity of the situation and the council’s unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives. By basing their condemnation on Islamic values, the imams demonstrate that Hamas’s actions are not just a breach of international norms but a betrayal of the very religion they claim to represent.
Hamas’s deliberate targeting of civilians violates not only international laws like the Geneva Conventions but also the moral principles outlined in Islamic tradition. The council isn’t speaking in abstract terms; they’re pointing to specific incidents, such as the execution of the six hostages, to highlight the group’s disregard for both law and ethics. This direct approach strengthens their call for other Muslim leaders to denounce terrorism and violence.
The council didn’t stop at condemning the executions—they also addressed Hamas’s larger strategy, particularly the use of civilians as human shields. This tactic not only puts more innocent lives at risk but also exacerbates the conflict, making peace even harder to achieve. By drawing attention to these reckless methods, the council stresses that Hamas is doing more harm than good to both the Palestinian cause and regional stability.
During the recent fighting, Hamas was documented using residential areas and civilian infrastructure to launch attacks, knowing that any counterstrike would likely harm innocent people. This tactic only adds to the suffering of ordinary Palestinians and illustrates why the council is so vocal in its criticism. Beyond breaking international law, such actions directly contradict the teachings of Islam, which place the protection of life at the forefront. This kind of reckless behavior deepens the cycle of violence, preventing any real progress toward peace.
In addition to holding Hamas responsible, the Global Imams Council also called out Iran for its role in fueling the conflict. The council’s statement made it clear that Iran’s financial and military support for Hamas is a significant factor in the continued violence. By providing this backing, Iran helps to sustain the ongoing conflict in Gaza and beyond, making the situation even more challenging to resolve. The council’s willingness to name Iran as part of the problem shows that they are addressing the symptoms of the conflict and the root causes.
Take, for instance, Iran’s long-standing support for Hamas, which has been widely documented. This aid allows Hamas to carry out its violent actions, destabilizing the region and perpetuating conflict. The council’s decision to call out Iran directly underscores the broader political dynamics and highlights the need for accountability at every level. Without external support, groups like Hamas would find it much harder to continue their destructive operations.
But the council’s message didn’t end with condemnation—they also called for global unity. They urged people of all faiths to come together to stand against terrorism and violence and to promote peace and justice for all. The council believes that only by working together can the international community put an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for so long. Their appeal is grounded in the idea that shared humanity should always triumph over division.
Many interfaith initiatives worldwide bring Muslims, Jews, and Christians together to foster understanding and work toward peace. These efforts show that when people unite across religious and cultural lines, they can find common ground and build a brighter future. The council’s call for unity isn’t romantic—it’s a practical step toward reconciliation. The council hopes to pave the way for lasting peace by encouraging cooperation among religious leaders and communities.
The Global Imams Council didn’t just dwell on the present conflict—they offered a hopeful vision for the future. They called for a world where justice and human dignity are respected, and everyone can achieve peace. This hope is a crucial counterbalance to the despair often accompanying discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By looking forward, the council reminds us peace is possible if people are willing to work for it.
Recent diplomatic breakthroughs like the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab nations show that progress can be made, even in a deeply divided region. These agreements provide a glimpse of the future that the Global Imams Council envisions—where Jews and Arabs live in peace as neighbors. The council’s message is clear: peace isn’t just a distant dream; it’s an achievable reality if we all commit to justice, understanding, and reconciliation.
This blog reflects my ideas, with assistance from AI, in crafting the article.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 17 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.
