New Delhi: A massive protest was held on August 22 in the national capital to express the solidarity with Gaza and condemn the Israel’s brutal aggresion in the region. Participants expressed grave concern over the escalating situation, warning that any attempt to establish Israel’s military or political control over Gaza will only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe already unfolding in the besieged territory.
Hundreds of people from across Delhi and adjoining states joined the demonstration, cutting across lines of religion, ideology, and social background. The protest witnessed the participation of large number of citizens, students, social, religious, political leaders and noted Civil Society activists. Participation of people from almost all religious, cultural and social background in this solidarity gathering sent out a powerful message that solidarity with Palestine is not confined to the Muslim community alone, but is a shared concern of all peace and justice-loving people in India.
Speakers at the protest strongly denounced Israel’s brutal aggression against Palestinians, terming it an ongoing genocide. They pointed out that since October 2023, nearly 100,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed, while homes, hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been systematically targeted. The protestors also highlighted alarming reports of widespread starvation and the near-total collapse of Gaza’s healthcare and sanitation systems, warning of an imminent famine if the blockade is not lifted.
The protestors reaffirmed demands made earlier in a Joint Statement on Palestine, endorsed by leading Muslim bodies and civil society collectives in India. The demands include:
(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.
The protest also sent out a strong appeal to Muslim-majority nations to exert maximum pressure on Israel and the United States to end the bloodshed. Participants emphasized that silence in the face of genocide is unacceptable and urged governments, institutions, and individuals to act in line with their moral and constitutional responsibilities.
