In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

International Qods Day, observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan, has become a day of international significance for those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. This year it will be honored on 28 March 2025. This day, which was initiated by the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, serves as a reminder of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the need for global support for their cause. The significance of Qods Day lies in its ability to unite people from different walks of life in the fight for justice.

Due to the intensified ongoing international crimes against Palestinians, this year the International Qods Day has got a more importance position. Recently, Palestrina authorities in Gaza’s announced that at least 50,021 Palestinians have been killed and 113,274 wounded by Israeli Occupying Forces since 7 October 2023. The international crimes of Israel are also increased in west bank including by the illegal settlers.

The international community cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza and west bank and should end the impunity. No one should be permitted to manipulate the laws and facts and the crimes should stop and be prosecuted internationally. The laws and the facts are obvious and the criminal nature of Israeli regime is legally established by the relevant international fora, including International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC). In July 2024, ICJ made it clear that Israel’s continued presence in Palestine is unlawful and Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in Palestine as rapidly as possible. As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations has demanded “all States are under an obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in Palestine and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the continued presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”. In line with this commitment all nations should utilize the International Quds Day as platform to end the illegal occupation and international crimes of Israel in Palestine.

ICJ Judgment: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/186/186-20240719-adv-01-00-en.pdf

ICC Judgment: https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-state-palestine-icc-pre-trial-chamber-i-rejects-state-israels-challenges

Iran’s unwavering support for Palestine is evident in its commitment to international initiatives that advocate for Palestinian rights, including its support for the United Nations resolutions and calls for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Iranian government has repeatedly condemned Israeli policies of aggression, occupation, and human rights violations, and it has called for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, which continues to exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians. Iran’s support is also manifested in its hosting of annual Qods Day rallies, where millions of Iranians, alongside international support from nations, gather to emphasize their solidarity with Palestine and denounce the occupation.

About the author

H.E. Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani

H.E. Dr. Seyed Hossein Sadat Meidani is the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Romania.