In the wake of a recent fatwa issued by prominent Muslim scholars advocating for a unified jihad against Israel, mass protests have erupted across several Muslim-majority countries, notably in Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. Demonstrators are urging their governments to take decisive military action in support of Palestinians amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
On April 5, 2025, the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), led by Secretary General Ali Al-Qaradaghi, released a religious decree calling upon all Muslims to engage in jihad against Israel. The fatwa emphasizes the duty of Islamic nations to intervene militarily, economically, and politically to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In Algeria, thousands of citizens took to the streets of major cities, including Algiers and Oran, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Protesters, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israeli actions, are demanding that the Algerian government mobilize its military forces to support Palestinians. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful, with participants calling for immediate governmental action in line with the scholars’ fatwa.
in Egypt, significant protests have been reported in Cairo and Alexandria. Demonstrators are pressing the Egyptian government to abandon its peace treaty with Israel and to take military steps in support of Gaza. The protests have seen a diverse turnout, including political activists, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens united by the call to action from the IUMS.
In Morocco, tens of thousands of citizens gathered in the capital, Rabat, on April 6, 2025, to protest against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and express discontent with U.S. policies, particularly those proposed by President Donald Trump. Demonstrators denounced both Israel and the U.S., accusing Trump of exacerbating the violence and condemning his controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians for Gaza’s redevelopment. Many protesters also criticized Morocco’s 2020 decision to normalize ties with Israel.
As of now, both the Algerian, Egyptian governments have not issued official statements regarding the protests or the fatwa. Political analysts suggest that while public sentiment is strongly in favor of supporting Palestinians, governmental decisions will likely be influenced by diplomatic considerations and existing international agreements.
The issuance of the fatwa and the subsequent protests have garnered international attention. The United Nations and several Western countries have expressed concern over the potential escalation of conflict in the region. Diplomatic channels are reportedly active, aiming to address the situation and prevent further deterioration of stability in the Middle East.
The recent fatwa by the International Union of Muslim Scholars has ignited significant public demonstrations in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and potentially other nations. As citizens call for governmental action against Israel, the international community watches closely, aware of the profound implications such developments could have on regional and global stability.
