9 October 2025

Alhamdulillah, we have all heard the welcome news of the ceasefire deal. We pray that this marks the beginning of lasting peace, an end to the genocide, and the full and unhindered reopening of Gaza.

However, it is important to remember that this is only the first phase of the agreement. The struggle for freedom and justice continues. The siege on Gaza remains in place, and thousands of Palestinians are still held captive in Israel.

Israeli forces are ONLY withdrawing from Gaza City and not the whole of Gaza. We also are a long way from ending Israeli occupation of West Bank and Masjid Al-Aqsa. The Israeli apartheid policies continue and Gaza still remains under total Israeli blockade.

History reminds us that once Israel secures the release of its hostages, it has not always honoured the next stages of peace deals. Recall Israel in March 2025 when they broke Trumps phased peace deal.

Moreover, there remains the urgent issue of bringing those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice.

Therefore, while we welcome this progress, we must keep the wider picture in mind. Our collective efforts through advocacy, awareness, humanitarian aid, and duas must continue with renewed determination.

We must now, more than before, make sure we attend the London Protest on Saturday 11 October.

Now more than ever, our focus and efforts must not be diverted if we truly wish to see an end to the siege of Gaza, a free Palestine and Masjid Al-Aqsa.

Dr Ismail Patel Chair

Friends of Al-Aqsa