Ashraf AboArafe
strongly condemns the Zionist occupation’s violation of the ceasefire agreement and calls for unity among the Islamic world to liberate Palestine and achieve the right to self-determination.
Celebrating the International Quds Day, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Cairo held a Ramadan Iftar banquet today, 1446 AH, attended by diplomats, politicians, media professionals, and intellectuals, at the residence of Ambassador Mohammad Soltani Fard. Ambassador Soltani Fard delivered a speech on this occasion as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Graceful
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow advocates of justice, today, as we gather to commemorate the Qods International Day, I stand before you not only as the Iranian ambassador and head of Iranian interests in Egypt, Mr. Mohammad Hossein Soltani Fard, but also as a voice for the Palestinian cause, a cause that resonates deeply within the hearts of millions around the world. This day, enacted by Imam Khomeini, the revered leader of the Iranian Revolution, serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured decades of occupation and injustice. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of human dignity, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination.
https://youtu.be/qGALQjuVWic?si=-6rkd4cOaaZQtubV
As I sit and reflect on the recent events unfolding in the Gaza Strip, the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on my heart. The Israeli ceasefire violation during the holy month of Ramadan is not just a breach of a fragile agreement; it is a profound act of disrespect and moral insensitivity. The pain and suffering of the Palestinian people are compounded by the timing, as they are forced to endure the horrors of war while fasting and seeking spiritual solace. It is imperative that the international community, particularly the ceasefire guarantors, take a firm stand and exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire. As the poet Mahmoud Darwish once wrote, “The earth is the only paradise we have, and we are not doing well in it.” The world cannot afford to remain silent while the lives of Gazans are made increasingly impossible, with no access to humanitarian aid or medical care.
Yet, the harsh reality is that the prospects for a lasting ceasefire seem bleak, especially when the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, continues to provide Israel with unwavering support. The silence of the global community in the face of such blatant disregard for human life is deafening. It is a tragic irony that the very month meant for reflection and peace is marred by violence and bloodshed. The people of Gaza are being denied the most basic of human rights, and the international community must awaken to this injustice. As we witness the escalating tensions and the suffering of the Palestinian people, it is crucial that we demand accountability and action. The world must not stand idly by while the lives of innocent civilians are jeopardized, and the dream of a peaceful and just resolution remains elusive.
As I stand here, reflecting on the events that have unfolded, it is with a heavy heart that I must address the situation in Gaza. Instead of celebrating the hard-fought triumph of Gaza and the broader Arab and Islamic resistance over the Zionist entity, a victory that seemed to bring a glimmer of hope after a year and a half of relentless bloodshed, we find ourselves tragically back at square one. The resilience and determination of the Palestinian people, who have endured unimaginable suffering, should have been a moment of collective pride and a call to action for the international community to support the reconstruction of Gaza. Yet, the recent decision by Netanyahu to resume attacks, driven by his desperate desire to cling to power and avoid legal consequences, has shattered this fragile hope. “This is not just a setback; it is a profound betrayal of the countless lives lost and the sacrifices made,” as one Gaza resident put it. The world must now rise to the occasion and demand an end to this cycle of violence, urging all parties to seek a lasting and just peace.
In the face of such adversity, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the human cost of this conflict. The images of destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools, and the stories of families torn apart by violence, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international intervention. The international community has a moral obligation to ensure that Gaza is not left to rebuild alone, especially as the recent attacks have only exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation. “We cannot afford to be bystanders in this tragedy,” as a leading human rights advocate has emphasized. It is imperative that we advocate for a comprehensive ceasefire, push for accountability, and support the reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it is only through unity, perseverance, and a commitment to justice that we can hope to see a brighter future for all those affected by this ongoing conflict.
As we reflect on the significance of this day, it is imperative to recognize the historical and cultural ties that bind us, the people of Iran and Egypt, to the holy city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, a city of profound religious and cultural importance, is not just a symbol of faith but a beacon of hope for a just and peaceful future. The plight of the Palestinian people is not just a regional issue; it is a global concern that demands the attention and action of every nation that values human rights and international law. It is a call to action for us, as members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to unite our voices and efforts to support the Palestinian cause and to advocate for a lasting and equitable solution to the conflict.
In this spirit of unity, I extend my gratitude to the Egyptian people and government for their unwavering support of the Palestinian cause. Egypt, a nation with a rich history and a pivotal role in the Middle East, has consistently stood alongside the Palestinians in their struggle for justice and freedom. Our shared membership in the OIC provides a platform for us to collaborate and amplify our efforts. Together, we can leverage the OIC’s influence to push for international recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state and to ensure that the rights of the Palestinian people are protected and upheld. As Imam Khomeini once said, “The struggle of the Palestinian people is the struggle of all free and oppressed people in the world.”
* A firm stance!
However, our efforts to support the Palestinian cause must also include a firm stance against those who continue to support and enable the occupation. I urge Leading countries and pioneering countries, as influential members of the international community, to reconsider their cooperation and trade support with entities that contribute to the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. It is crucial that we stand united in our commitment to justice and human rights, and that we do not allow economic interests to overshadow our moral obligations. We must speak out against Zionism injustice that supported by USA and work together to create a world where the rights of all people are respected and protected.
* A powerful reminder!
In conclusion, the AlQods International Day is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to support the Palestinian cause. As Iran and Egypt, we have the opportunity and the duty to lead by example, to work together within the OIC, BRICS, and D8, and to advocate for a just and lasting solution to the conflict. Let us not be bystanders to the suffering of the Palestinian people, but active participants in the struggle for justice and peace. As we stand here today, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of solidarity, compassion, and human dignity. Together, we can make a difference, and together, we can build a better future for all.
Thank you. _ May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
