Egypt’s Al-Azhar University was compelled to withdraw a strong statement condemning Israel for starving Palestinians in Gaza, reportedly under pressure from the Egyptian presidential office. The university said the statement might negatively affect ceasefire negotiations and thus rescinded it to help address urgent humanitarian needs. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, criticized the withdrawal as unjust. Meanwhile, human rights activists in the Netherlands and Egypt continue to protest the blockade and closure of Gaza's borders.