TEHRAN- Quds Day unites people globally in solidarity with Gaza, amplifying voices and highlighting Palestinian struggles for justice and freedom. 

Every year on the last Friday of holy month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims worldwide participate in International Quds Day, a day established in 1979 by the Late Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini. 

The purpose of Quds Day, named after the Arabic word (al-Quds), is to demonstrate unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israeli occupation.

Large-scale rallies and marches characterize the day. Public figures deliver speeches, often inciting chants of "Death to Israel, Death to America." 

Quds Day extends beyond Iran's borders. The 1988 decision by the Organization of the Islamic Conference's Jerusalem Committee ensured public events throughout the Arab world.  Countries with significant Shia populations, particularly Lebanon where Hezbollah holds major observances, witness high turnout. Notably, groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad actively endorse and participate in Quds Day activities. 

Quds Day's impact on international relations

Leaders within the resistance movements view Quds Day as a potent symbol of unity and a message of unwavering support for Palestine.  Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Lebanon's Hezbollah, emphasizes that Quds Day instills fear in Israel due to the projected image of solidarity. 

Similarly, Akram al-Kaabi, leader of Iraq's Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, highlights Quds Day as a defining principle in their fight against Israeli occupation.  He further criticizes regional countries normalizing relations with Israel, vowing Iraq's unwavering commitment to Palestinian support.

Quds Day undoubtedly serves as a potent symbol of solidarity for the Palestinian cause. 

Quds Day: a vital platform for Palestinian solidarity and global awareness 

The Quds issue stands as a pivotal concern, resonating both on a religious and geopolitical scale. For years, on the final Friday of Ramadan, global advocates for freedom have rallied, asserting that the plight of the Palestinian nation cannot fade from memory. Their steadfast commitment echoes a resolute march towards a liberated Quds, where the world will witness the futility of oppression and occupation.

Yet, this year's narrative diverges. Months have passed witnessing the egregious escalation of atrocities by the usurping Zionist regime against the people of Gaza. Despite fasting and defenselessness, Gaza's besieged populace valiantly confronts a regime steeped in usurpation and brutality.

Amidst the rubble of demolished homes and the anguish of lost loved ones, the courageous men and women of Gaza refuse to capitulate to tyranny. Their resilience underscores a solemn truth: that resistance to oppression endures, undeterred by adversity.

The grandeur of this year's Quds Day procession serves as a beacon of solidarity, amplifying support for the oppressed Palestinian nation. It sends an unequivocal message to global powers: that the forces of oppression—be they usurpation, violence, or subjugation—are inherently destined for defeat.

Quds Day: amplifying Palestinian voices and condemning Zionist crimes

The Zionist regime's persistent efforts to normalize relations with some Arab states underscore a calculated attempt to obscure the enduring plight of Palestine and Gaza. 

In their pursuit of diplomatic alliances, Zionists seek to erode the collective memory of the Palestinian struggle, hoping to consign it to oblivion. 

However, the annual global Quds Day march serves as a powerful testament—a reaffirmation of solidarity with an oppressed nation ensnared within the grip of the Zionist regime. It stands not merely as an event but as a global covenant, a solemn pledge to uphold the rights of the marginalized and to resist the forces of oppression. In the face of attempts to whitewash injustice, the Quds Day march serves as a resolute reminder that the world will not forget, nor forsake, those who suffer under the yoke of oppression.

The international ramifications of Quds Day are manifold. Firstly, the Quds Day serve as a catalyst holding the Israeli government accountable for its continued violations of international law and human rights abuses in the occupied territories. As governments across the globe face mounting pressure from their citizens to take a principled stance against Israeli aggression, the isolation of the Zionist regime becomes increasingly pronounced.

Furthermore, Quds Day galvanizes grassroots movements and civil society organizations to mobilize in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. From boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns to advocacy for Palestinian self-determination, the global movement for Palestinian rights gains momentum with each passing Quds Day. This grassroots activism not only raises awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people but also fosters international solidarity and support for their struggle.

Moreover, the symbolic significance of Quds Day reverberates within international institutions and forums, where debates over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often unfold. By amplifying the Palestinian narrative and challenging the legitimacy of Israeli occupation, Quds Day reshapes the discourse surrounding the conflict and undermines attempts to whitewash Israeli crimes. This shift in narrative empowers Palestinian advocates and their allies to push for concrete measures aimed at ending Israeli impunity and achieving justice for the Palestinian people.

In response to the growing international condemnation of its policies, the Zionist regime has sought to delegitimize Quds Day and portray it as a manifestation of anti-Semitism or extremism. However, such efforts have largely failed to resonate beyond a narrow circle of the occupying regime’s supporters, as the principles of justice and solidarity that underpin Quds Day resonate with people of conscience worldwide.

Quds Day rallies shine a spotlight on the ongoing crimes committed against Palestinians and provide vital support to those living under occupation and siege.

Through Quds Day, the voices of the oppressed are elevated, and the reality of life under Israeli occupation is brought to the forefront of global consciousness. The rallies serve as a potent reminder of the urgent need for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in principles of equality, justice, and respect for international law.

In bringing the rightful voice of the Palestinians to the world stage, Quds Day rallies play a crucial role in challenging the dominant narratives that seek to justify or normalize Israeli aggression. By bearing witness to the suffering of the Palestinian people and standing in solidarity with their struggle for freedom and dignity, participants in Quds Day events contribute to the broader movement for justice and peace.
 
In conclusion, holding Quds Day is not merely a symbolic gesture but a powerful expression of solidarity and resistance. By making the crimes of the Zionist regime more visible and amplifying the voices of oppressed Palestinians, Quds Day rallies strengthen the global movement for Palestinian rights and bring us one step closer to realizing the vision of a just and peaceful future for Palestinians.