It is undeniable that the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran changed the world and amplified support for the oppressed people of Palestine, calling for their freedom and making efforts to end the occupation of Palestinian lands by the Zionist regime. The late leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khomeini declared the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramadan Quds Day, a day for showing solidarity with Palestine. He called on peace loving people to take to the streets and conscientise the masses about the oppression of Palestinians in order to liberate them. Quds Day has since become a global initiative and manifestation of unity, sympathy and resistance against oppression.

The Islamic Republic of Iran took a humanitarian approach to the Palestinian question and became forerunners in support of the oppressed children, brothers and sisters in humanity irrespective of their culture and creed. The support highlighted war crimes and genocide perpetrated by the Zionist regime since the occupation and theft of Palestinian lands, and this led to International courts and communities condemning Israel of war crimes as stated by International Law, and Humanitarian Law.

The world could not be proud enough of a historical and courageous move by South Africa for leading a case against Israel at the ICJ in The Hague, under the Genocide Convention, for acts committed by Israel in the context of its attacks on Gaza on 7 October 2023.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that in order to achieve the right to life and return to the occupied territories, a referendum must be held in the occupied areas by the residents of the area, whether Muslim, Jewish or Christian, in a democratic process. This democratic referendum could end decades of conflict and restore humanity.

Seyed Mostafa Daryabari
Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran