TEHRAN- The Tehran’s Art Bureau, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), organized a poetry night on Sunday to pay tribute to the oppressed people of Gaza. 

Poets hailing from 14 nations, including the resistance front, congregated at Tehran's Vahdat Hall for this profound occasion, ISNA reported on Monday.

Distinguished literary figures from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and various other countries in the region recited their compositions, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and remembrance, the report added. 

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaeili, delivered an opening speech at the ceremony. 

Acknowledging the unwavering support of the Iranian nation for the oppressed people of Palestine for the past 45 years, he emphasized the Iranian people's commitment to the noble ideals of freedom for al-Quds and the liberation of Palestine.

"For 45 years, the Iranian people have fervently championed the cause of al-Quds and the liberation of Palestine, among their many other noble aspirations. They take pride in witnessing the successful resistance of the Palestinian people," he said. 

"The blood of ten thousand innocent Palestinian children flows through the veins of humanity, captivating the hearts of people around the world," he noted. 

Recognizing the critical role of culture and art in delivering powerful messages, the minister underscored the double responsibility of the field in addressing important subjects. “Adorned with poetry and art, these messages become enduring testaments to the human spirit.”

Additionally, the piece "Noble Quds," featuring a poem by Alireza Qazveh, marked a significant highlight of the event as the symphony orchestra showcased this moving piece for the first time.

On October 7, Israel started a deadly war on Gaza after the territory’s Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, launched a surprise retaliation strike against the occupying regime, codenamed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.

The Israeli regime's offensive has claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 individuals in Gaza, with a significant majority being women and children. Furthermore, over 53,000 people have suffered injuries as a result.

Israeli officials, including the prime minister, have made public statements endorsing or pledging to carry out acts of genocide against Palestinians throughout the course of this conflict. These alarming declarations have raised serious concerns regarding the protection of human rights and the safety of the Palestinian population.

Tel Aviv has also imposed severe restrictions on essential resources such as water, power, and gasoline in one of the world's most densely populated areas. This deprivation has resulted in a scarcity of medical supplies and food, leaving 2.3 million Palestinians at risk of starvation.

SAB/