Khabib Nurmagomedov urges followers to pray for Palestine

11 October 2023

Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former Russian MMA champion has conveyed a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

On Monday, the Dagestan-born former lightweight champion shared a post on Instagram, reaching out to his 35 million followers with a prayer for Allah's protection of those unable to defend themselves. The post featured emojis of raised open palms, symbolizing supplication in Islam, along with the Palestinian flag and a heart, offering a heartfelt gesture with no additional content.

In a similar vein, fellow Russian MMA star Khamzat Chimaev, born in the Chechen Republic and based in Sweden, reportedly posted a graphics-only message of support. Shared by Russian media, his picture included the outline of Palestine, the Palestinian flag, and a depiction of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Old Jerusalem.

The conflict, marked by Israel's retaliation for a recent incursion and hostage-taking raid by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has led to a full blockade of Gaza, the organization's stronghold, affecting two million residents' access to basic necessities. Israel's objective is stated as the complete destruction of Hamas' "terrorist infrastructure" in the area.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya and a prominent figure in the Russian Muslim community, has called for international pressure on Israel to exercise restraint. Addressing the heads of Muslim nations, Kadyrov urged the creation of a coalition to prevent the bombing of peaceful citizens under the pretext of targeting militants.

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The conflict has raised concerns due to its potential to escalate further, warned Kadyrov, emphasizing its unique nature among regional flare-ups. The Russian government, while condemning violence against civilians, regardless of the perpetrator, has criticized the crisis as evidence of failed diplomacy by the United States. President Vladimir Putin asserted that Washington has historically overlooked the core interests of the Palestinian people.

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