New Delhi : The national capital witnessed a massive outpouring of solidarity with Palestine on Friday, as hundreds gathered to denounce Israel’s escalating assault on Gaza. The protest drew participants from Delhi and neighboring states, with demonstrators condemning what they described as Israel’s attempt to impose complete control over the besieged strip.
The demonstrators — including students, citizens, civil society activists, social and religious leaders, and political figures — stood united beyond lines of religion, caste, and ideology. Their collective presence sent out a powerful message that solidarity with Palestine is not confined to Muslims but is a cause embraced by all justice-loving and peace-seeking people of India.
Speakers at the protest described the relentless bombardment and blockade of Gaza as “an ongoing genocide.” They pointed to the staggering toll since October 2023 — nearly 100,000 Palestinians killed, including thousands of women and children. Homes, hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been reduced to rubble, while starvation and the collapse of healthcare and sanitation have left Gaza on the brink of famine.
The protestors reaffirmed demands made in a joint statement earlier this year by Muslim organizations and civil society groups. These included:
(1) The international community and world powers must act decisively and should ensure immediate Ceasefire.
(2) Urgent humanitarian corridors must be opened to allow food, water, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza.
(3) International community and Government of India must condemn Israel’s actions and halt all military and strategic cooperation with it.
(4) World powers and government of India must endorse the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and support the UN General Assembly’s call to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and establishment of Independent Sovereign state of Palestine.
(5) India should stand by its long-standing tradition of supporting the oppressed and actively back international efforts to end the illegal occupation.
(6) Civil society and institutions across India must intensify awareness campaigns, boycotts of Israeli products, and peaceful solidarity activities.
A strong appeal was also made to Muslim-majority nations to mount sustained pressure on Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, to halt the bloodshed. “Silence in the face of genocide is complicity,” one speaker said, urging governments and ordinary citizens to uphold their moral and constitutional responsibilities.
The protest was addressed by several prominent personalities, including Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind; noted academics Prof. Apoorvanand (Delhi University) and Prof. V.K. Tripathi; senior advocate Lara Jaising; Nisha Siddu, General Secretary of NFIW; and former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb.
Other civil society leaders present included Ziauddin Siddiqui (Wahdat-e-Islami), Raisuddin (WPI), Mufti Abdul Raziq (Jamiat ul Ulema, Delhi), Abdul Hafeez (SIO of India), Shaikh Nizamuddin (Milli Council), and Malik Motasim Khan (Vice President, JIH).
The protest concluded with a collective pledge to continue raising voices until justice is secured for Palestine and to hold both Israel and the international community accountable for the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
