In the opening session of the Fourth International “Al-Aqsa Call” Conference in Karbala, Sheikh Youssef Abbas, the General Coordinator of the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine, delivered the campaign’s speech as the official sponsor of the conference. He conveyed greetings from the heart of the Al-Aqsa Call to the hearts of the free people around the world, affirming that what unites the participants in this exceptional gathering is the call of Palestine and the voice of besieged Gaza.

Sheikh Abbas stated that the conference is being held at a critical historical moment, where the Palestinian people—especially in Gaza—are facing an unprecedented and brutal war of extermination. He pointed out that this tragedy has exposed the falsehood of those who trade in the values of justice and human rights, and that the masks have fallen from those complicit with the occupation. He added: “The catastrophe has reached a point where silence is a betrayal, and helpless words are a source of shame.”

He considered the conference slogan, “From Karbala to Palestine… the journey of sacrifice for freedom, dignity, and victory,” to be a living expression of the unity of path and oppression, where Palestine is living its Ashura, and Gaza today echoes the call of Hussein: “Is there anyone to support me?” affirming that sacrifices are the only path to restoring dignity and rights.

Sheikh Abbas emphasized that the Palestinian cause is no longer a local issue, but has become a global moral and humanitarian test, saying: “Palestine today exposes false claims and reveals the positions of the sincere from the deceitful… and everyone who remains silent about the genocide is a partner in the crime.”

He concluded his speech by affirming the continued commitment of the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine and the Scholarly Forum to their religious, moral, and humanitarian duty in supporting the Palestinian cause. He also called for the practical implementation of the outcomes of the conference. Finally, he extended thanks to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein and the supreme religious authority for their generous sponsorship and constant support for Palestine.