Why it matters:
Declared in 1979 by Imam Khomeini, the last Friday of Ramadan is recognized as International Quds Day, a day for global unity in support of Palestinian freedom and opposition to Israeli-American aggression. Sheikh Khalid's call comes at a critical time, as tensions escalate in the region amid Israeli aggression against Palestinians.
The big picture:
The 2025 Quds Day occurs against a backdrop of heightened violence, with reports indicating that over 50,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed since the onset of renewed conflict on October 7, 2023. Concerns are mounting over plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to occupy the Gaza Strip, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.
What he's saying:
In his interview with Iran Press, Sheikh Khalid stressed the significance of this year's Quds Day, particularly in light of the U.S. plans for Gaza, which he described as a violation of international law. "Taking Palestine away from Gaza is illegitimate, it is unlawful," he asserted. He emphasized that the protests serve to amplify the voices of Palestinians, who have been subjected to a joint Israeli-American genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Key points:
- Sheikh Khalid condemned the U.S. plan to occupy Gaza, labeling it as contrary to global laws.
- He called on all freedom-seeking individuals in Africa to join the 2025 Quds Day march to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
- The cleric praised Sudan and Somalia for rejecting U.S. offers to resettle Palestinians evacuated from Gaza, highlighting their commitment to justice.
Go deeper:
The upcoming Quds Day protests are a powerful platform for raising awareness and advocating for justice in Palestine, reinforcing the interconnectedness of struggles for freedom across the continent.
Hamed Shahbazi
