Alexandria, Va. – Islamic Relief USA(IRUSA), an international humanitarian organization, has issued the following statement regarding the alarming escalation of violence in East Jerusalem. Israeli forces recently stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring more than 300 Palestinians worshipping at Al Aqsa mosque, bringing the total number of injured to more than 600 over the past few days. According to the latest news, media outlets are now reporting the deaths of as many as 20 Palestinians, including nine children, following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, in an apparent rapid deterioration of the situation in East Jerusalem.
Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, says:
“IRUSA strongly condemns the ongoing violence, aggression, and intimidation tactics used against thousands of Palestinian civilians, especially during this holy month of Ramadan. In the midst of a global pandemic, any kind of aggression shocks the conscience and defies international humanitarian standards by further exposing Palestinians, already struggling with limited access to healthcare, to the deadly COVID-19 virus. We call for an immediate end to all violence and for respect of the freedom of worship guaranteed to all people under international law. We stand ready to assist Palestinians affected by this particularly cruel use of force.”
IRUSA has an extensive history of providing humanitarian relief in the Palestinian territories, including in the West Bank and Gaza. Since 1994, Islamic Relief has worked tirelessly to assist the people of Palestine by delivering food aid and supporting various programs focused on promoting sustainable livelihoods, providing access to education and healthcare, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with decades of political instability, have stifled economic development across Palestine and intensified the need for assistance.
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
(703) 370-7246; (571) 421-7032 (CELL)
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.