A solidarity gathering for Palestine was held at the Constitution Club of India on Wednesday. It was jointly organised by Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR) and the India Palestine Friendship Forum. The event honoured South Africa’s stand at the ICJ, Iran’s defiance against injustice, and the resilience of Palestinians.
The event saw participation from leaders, diplomats, ministers, bureaucrats, MPs, civil society members, academics, and students.
Iranian Ambassador Dr. Iraj Elahi denied reports that Iran sought a ceasefire with Israel. He said it was Israel that requested a ceasefire. Iran’s military response was strategic and increased in strength over time, especially by the 12th day. Israel, he said, began with strong strikes but could not sustain them. It expected public backlash in Iran, but the conflict united Iranians. He added that the Palestinian issue is not just Islamic or Arab—it is a global humanitarian matter needing international support.
Speaking to Radiancenews.com, Dr. Elahi said, “Their resistance in Gaza and Palestine is their internal matter. We don’t interfere in their decisions. We support their cause spiritually and humanly. They will decide whether to continue resistance or not.”
On expectations from the world, he said, “The international community failed Gaza and Palestine. It failed Iran too. It failed to uphold international law. That law must be respected by everyone.”
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid chaired the event. He expressed solidarity with Iran and Palestine, recalling India’s historical support for both. He condemned international law violations against them. He said India’s current silence was due to an internal “battle of the mind.” He urged overcoming “Maslihad” (compromise out of compulsion) and returning to India’s core values of truth and justice. He hoped for a better future built on unity and moral strength.
Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar criticised India’s silence since October 7. He said India lacked courage in forums like the UN. He recalled India’s 1947 stand under Nehru as the only non-Muslim Asian country opposing Palestine’s partition. Nehru had believed Jews should live in peace with Arabs, as India remained secular while Pakistan became Islamic. Aiyar stressed Nehru’s vision of coexistence and equality for Indian Muslims.
Sadatullah Husaini, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, expressed solidarity with Palestine. He praised Palestine, Iran, and South Africa for standing up for justice. He said their resistance wasn’t just political—it was a defense of universal values like dignity and justice. He condemned the Gaza genocide and the world’s moral failure.
He lauded Iran’s courage despite isolation, and South Africa’s legal action against Israel. He said Palestine’s struggle echoed past anti-colonial movements. He urged India to revive its anti-colonial legacy and resist injustice. He called for moral clarity, unity, and lawful resistance. He ended with a strong commitment to truth and justice for all oppressed.
Former Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung described Palestinian suffering as worse than the Holocaust. He linked it to the 1948 Nakba, when 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced. He spoke of rape, terror, and ethnic cleansing, blaming global powers, including Britain.
Today, Gaza burns, with families killed in homes, hospitals, and camps. He said this was not war, but barbarism. Neutrality is complicity, he said, and silence encourages violence. Quoting Mandela, Arafat, and Obama, he urged global support for Palestine. He called for a ceasefire and an end to what he called genocide, guided by Islamic and Gandhian values.
Palestinian Ambassador H.E. Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh compared Palestine’s freedom struggle with India’s 1857 revolt. He said even one person can make a difference. He urged people to support Palestine through phones and social media. He asked them to keep reminding the world of genocide and war crimes.
Responding to a Radiancenews.com question on Gaza’s relocation, he firmly said, “Relocation of Gaza is not going to happen.”
Mohammad Adeeb, IMCR chairman and former MP, welcomed the guests. He praised South Africa, Iran, and Palestine. He criticised India’s silence at global forums. He questioned how a nation of Gandhi could ignore war crimes and genocide.
Others who addressed the event included Prof. Nandita Narayan (former Delhi University professor), Prof. Apoorvanand (Delhi University), MP Mohibullah Nadvi, and Prkriti from the India Palestine Friendship Forum. The event was moderated by Nadeem Khan from the same forum.
