TEHRAN- The latest mural in Enqelab Square, downtown Tehran, was unveiled on Tuesday to commemorate Islamic Unity Week with the slogan "Unity for the Freedom of Palestine." 

The mural depicts people from various corners of the world, holding their flags and marching with the slogan "Unity for the Freedom of Palestine" under the shadow of the Mosque of the Prophet (Masjid al-Nabawi), heading towards the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine.

Last week, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip reported that since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, a grim total of 41,226 Palestinians have been martyred. The ministry also stated that an additional 95,413 Palestinians have sustained injuries due to Israeli attacks on the region.

Beginning on October 7, Israel launched what many describe as a genocidal war against the already besieged Gaza Strip. This military escalation followed a significant operation by the Palestinian Hamas Resistance group, which was executed as a response to increasing violence and systemic atrocities inflicted by the Israeli regime on the Palestinian people.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically as Israel has enforced a complete siege on the territory, home to more than two million residents. This blockade has effectively cut off essential resources, including fuel, electricity, food, and water, leading to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the suffering of Palestinians, who are grappling with severe shortages of basic necessities, medical supplies, and shelter.

As tensions continue to escalate, the plight of the Palestinian population in Gaza remains dire, drawing international attention and raising urgent calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to alleviate the catastrophic conditions they face. 

The Islamic Unity Week refers to a ceremony held every year both by Sunnis and Shia. Shia tradition holds that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was born on the seventeenth day of the lunar month of Rabi' al-Awwal. On the other hand, according to Sunni tradition, he was born on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. The event is held between two dates of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Marked first time in Iran in the mid-1980s and based on the decree of the late Imam Khomeini, the Muslims around the world observe Islamic Unity Week between these dates.

SAB/