International Quds Day, marked annually on the final Friday of Ramadan, serves as a resounding reminder of the global struggle against the Israeli occupation and an expression of unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

This year, the observance of International Quds Day will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, and will once again bring millions together, from Ankara to New York, to demand justice, peace, and the liberation of Palestine.

The origins of Quds Day date back to 1979, following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which overthrew the U.S.-backed Shah. Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution, declared that the last Friday of Ramadan would be observed as Quds Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness for the Palestinian struggle and mobilizing support for their right to self-determination. Imam Khomeini's call to action remains as relevant today as it was over four decades ago, urging Muslims and freedom-loving people around the world to stand with the Palestinians in their fight for justice.

Quds Day rallies have become a crucial moment each year to reassert the Palestinian cause, with demonstrators in Iran, across the Islamic world, and increasingly in Europe and the Americas, rallying in support of Palestine. These mass gatherings represent a defiant rejection of Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, especially Jerusalem, which is known as Al-Quds, the rightful capital of a sovereign Palestinian state.

But Quds Day is more than just a religious observance; it is a powerful symbol of resistance against Western imperialism and its longstanding bias in favor of Israel. The occasion is often used to denounce the hypocrisy of Western powers that, while claiming to support human rights and democracy, continue to support the Zionist regime’s illegal actions against Palestinians. These include the ongoing siege of Gaza, the targeting of Palestinian civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and the denial of basic human rights. It is a day to expose the injustice that has been allowed to perpetuate for decades.

The atrocities committed by Israel, particularly during its brutal assault on Gaza that began on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, continue to highlight the urgent need for global accountability. Despite these horrific actions, Israel's military objectives remain unfulfilled, and its disregard for peace remains apparent. Even after agreeing to terms for a ceasefire in January 2025, Israel has refused to honor its commitments, further escalating tensions and suffering in the region.

However, Quds Day also serves as a platform for expressing global solidarity. Over the years, participation in Quds Day rallies has expanded beyond the Islamic world, with people from all walks of life joining the call for Palestinian liberation. These events unite individuals and organizations from various cultural and religious backgrounds, demonstrating that the Palestinian cause is not just a regional issue but a universal one. The cries for justice and freedom for Palestine echo across continents, reaffirming that Palestinians are not alone in their struggle.

The Palestinian issue remains at the heart of the Islamic Ummah, and its importance cannot be overstated. The forced displacement of Palestinians, the occupation of their lands, and the imposition of a brutal apartheid regime are an affront to justice and humanity. The Zionist regime’s actions are not only a violation of international law but also a manifestation of the ongoing efforts to erase Palestine and its people from existence.

Quds Day underscores the necessity of a united global front against Zionism. The inhumane actions perpetrated by Israel, from massacring civilians to demolishing entire neighborhoods, must be met with international condemnation and accountability. The hypocrisy of Western nations, who turn a blind eye to Israel's violations, only emphasizes the need for independent voices to speak out and defend Palestine. The people of Palestine deserve justice, they deserve peace, and most importantly, they deserve their own state, free from occupation and oppression.

The call for the liberation of Palestine and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital is not just a political slogan; it is a demand for human dignity, sovereignty, and equality. Quds Day rallies have proven time and again that this cause resonates deeply with millions of people around the world, and with every passing year, the movement grows stronger.

The fight for Palestine is not just about borders and territories; it is about the rights of a people who have suffered for far too long. The struggle will continue until the Palestinian people realize their right to self-determination, and the world finally sees the establishment of a Palestinian state, where all people—regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity—can live in peace, justice, and dignity. The spirit of Quds Day is a call to action for all who care about justice, freedom, and the basic human rights of the Palestinian people. As the world comes together this year on March 28, the message is clear: the Palestinian cause will never be forgotten, and the fight for their liberation will persist until the Zionist occupation is defeated and Palestine is free. (ILKHA)