TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that “the only viable and principled solution to the Palestinian problem” is to end the systematic occupation of Palestine’s historical lands, facilitate the return of refugees and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination.
In a message to world governments commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Pezeshkian said November 29 represents global recognition of the “courage, resilience and pursuit of justice” shown by the Palestinian people during their decades-long struggle. He said Iran “resolutely supports the efforts of the Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations.”
The president said the day was a reminder of “80 years of occupation” and the continuing suffering of the Palestinian people, adding that recent events in Gaza unfolded “before the eyes of the world” while a government that claims to protect human rights “chose to look the other way.”
Pezeshkian maintained that Palestinians continue their “legitimate struggle” for statehood even after being denied their right to self-determination. He called on governments around the world to fulfill their moral and legal responsibility to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
He also criticized the failure of international organizations to confront Israel, calling the situation “the greatest threat to peace and security.” He called on countries to take “serious and effective steps” to end aggression against the Palestinian people.
Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, praised the “firm and legitimate resistance” of Palestinian youth, and appealed to the international community to stand up to Israel’s actions, which violate international law and numerous United Nations resolutions.
The president highlighted Iran’s proposal to register with the United Nations, calling for the return of refugees and a referendum among “the original inhabitants of Palestine, Muslims, Christians and Jews, based on democratic principles and international law.” He described the plan as a viable alternative to “failed past efforts.”
He said the proposal seeks to resolve the Palestinian issue through legal principles and the exercise of both the right to self-determination and the right of return for all Palestinian refugees.
Mr. Pezeshkian concluded his message by expressing solidarity with the Palestinians, saluting their “courageous resistance” and praying for “their victory and the liberation of Palestine.”
To commemorate the same occasion, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement reaffirming Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), spokesperson Esmail Bakaei called Palestine “the deepest wound in the human conscience” and “the most universal cause of justice and solidarity.”
Baquai denounced decades of Israeli policies that have displaced millions of Palestinians and led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, including during the ongoing war in Gaza. Local authorities in Gaza say the conflict, which escalated rapidly in October 2023, has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and left much of the territory in ruins.
He accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in early October, saying such actions were seen by observers as a continuation of a “pattern of genocide.”
Bakuayi also criticized the United States and its allies for absolving Israel of responsibility, arguing that this impunity is contributing to the ongoing violence.
He called on the international community to go beyond expressions of concern and act on its legal and moral obligations by supporting what Iran sees as the Palestinian people’s legitimate resistance to occupation and their right to self-determination.
Events were held around the world to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, including demonstrations, awareness campaigns and renewed calls for concrete steps to end the Israeli occupation and ongoing hostilities.