The second day of the annual London Halal Forum, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, began with a traditional Palestinian breakfast, offering an authentic experience celebrating Palestinian cuisine and heritage.
The event, being held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London and organised by Halal360, is a joint initiative of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC).
The breakfast offers traditional delicacies to participants, including hummus, zaatar, labneh, and falafel.
'Genocide continues'
Speaking at the event, Bilal Erdogan, the deputy chairman of Ibn Haldun University’s Board of Trustees, said it is meaningful to be at the forum with a group of guests who care about Palestine, who care about the conscience of humanity, "that's been tarnished tremendously throughout the last three years."
Recalling a mass pro-Palestine rally in Istanbul that was held on January 1, 2026, he said people will once again stage a demonstration next year to remember Palestine.
"We will tell the world about the genocide, and we will show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine for what they have been suffering throughout, especially in these last three years, but obviously since 1948," said Erdogan.
He underlined that an immense humanitarian situation continues in Gaza despite "the so-called ceasefire situation."
"Unfortunately, every day genocide continues. Every day, we have attacks. Every day, we have killings, not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank."
Warning that the situation in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem is "getting worse", Erdogan stressed "we have to make sure" that resources that "we can put together" are strategically managed so that "we have better outcomes".
Referring to recent sanctions by some Western countries targeting trade with illegal Israeli settlements, he noted, "That's the beginning."
"Hopefully, they will extend that to hold (whole) Israeli products at some point."
"This breakfast is sort of a complete version of what we need to do about that, really empowering the producers, empowering the investors, and empowering any startups coming from the region."
Erdogan added that it should start from the ground, from food, but it should grow into "more valued sectors", in technology, in medicine, and in other fields.
Türkiye will continue to do whatever it can, he said, adding that the issue of Palestine transcends any political lines and issues.
"Inshallah, we can get together and do these meetings in Al-Quds, all together in peace and harmony," he added.
'Israel also pursuing economic war'
Also speaking at the venue, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot said the genocide is ongoing in Gaza and ethnic cleansing is ongoing in the occupied West Bank, noting "Israeli settler terrorists" attacks targeting the Palestinian olive harvest.
The ambassador said Israel is also pursuing an economic war against Palestinian people, which has continued for decades.
Türkiye's ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertas, was also among the attendees.
A video about the Palestinian Museum, which aims to present and contribute to narratives on Palestinian history, culture, and society, was screened during the program.
Under the theme Halal Tayyib for Humanity, the forum is examining the halal economy’s expansion beyond certification and food products into investment, tourism, technology, supply chains, branding, and international trade.
The first edition of the forum was held in November 2025 at Excel London, bringing together over 1,500 participants, both in-person and virtually, highlighting London's emerging role as a key player in the growing global halal economy.
