Thousands rally at Jantar Mantar against the Gaza conflict, affirming “Palestine belongs to Palestinians” and urging India not to take sides with Israel.
Thousands of people gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, many wearing keffiyehs and holding placards condemning the violence in Gaza.
The demonstration expressed strong solidarity with Palestine and called on India not to support what they described as Israel’s genocidal actions.
Speakers at the event included Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi; former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb; academic and author Apoorvanand; and Nadeem Khan from Friends of Palestine.
In his speech, Hussaini stated,
“Israel has announced a sinister plan to build 3,400 new housing units that will separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank, effectively ending Palestine. There is an ongoing effort to gain full control over Gaza. An immediate ceasefire is necessary, and all restrictions on relief and food supplies must be lifted without delay.”
Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi drew a comparison with India’s own struggle against colonial rule, saying,
“Palestinians are fighting for their rights and their land, just as we did during British colonialism. Just as India gained independence and belongs to Indians, Palestine belongs to Palestinians.”
Key demands at the rally included an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to provide food, water, fuel, and medical aid. Protesters also urged India and the international community to condemn Israel’s actions, stop all strategic cooperation with Israel, and support the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
They called on global leaders to back the United Nations’ efforts to end Israel’s occupation and to recognize an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, several protesters supporting Palestine were prevented by Delhi Police from entering Jantar Mantar due to claims of overcrowding, even as hundreds had already gathered.
“They fear the protest,” said participants Misria Ali and Alfauz Azmi.
