United against Injustice: Tens of Thousands Gather on Al-Quds Day to Condemn Israel’s Occupation and Support Palestine

Tens of thousands of people across the globe gathered on Al-Quds Day to express solidarity with Palestine and condemn Israel’s ongoing occupation. This annual event takes place on the last Friday of Ramadan and was observed in countries like Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Lebanon.

This year’s demonstrations held added significance due to the heightened anger in the Muslim world caused by Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 33,000 Palestinians in six months. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire, Tel Aviv has continued its offensive.

Attendees at the rallies carried signs and banners supporting Palestine while some protesters held banners with messages such as “Down with Israel.” Others burned American and Israeli flags. The US government has shown reluctance to withhold military aid to Israel, but President Joe Biden publicly criticized Israel for not doing enough to protect civilians in Gaza.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech commemorating Al-Quds Day in Lebanon while in Iran, state television featured top officials including President Ebrahim Raisi and Quds Force leader Esmail Qaani walking among demonstrators in Tehran and other cities in the country.