International Qods Day reminds the world of the decades of Israeli oppression against an innocent and defenseless nation. The late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, designated the day. During this annual event both Muslims and non-Muslims in large numbers in many countries come out to renew their support for the Palestinians and their resistance against the cruel Israeli military occupation.

By Davood Baqeri

On the occasion of International Qods Day, which coincides with the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, Palestinian Ambassador to Iran Salah Zawawi talked to Iran Daily about the significance of the annual event. The rallies are held by the Palestinians and their friends across continents.

Excerpts:

Iran Daily: How would you evaluate the role and significance of the International Qods Day?

Zawawi: When talking about this event, we first must reflect on its historical precedence. First, the relationship between the Islamic system, the Iranian nation and leadership is very strong, which stems from Islamic teachings.

I welcome the opportunity and congratulate the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other officials, the Islamic world and the Palestinian nation on this auspicious occasion.

Iran’s link with the Palestinian problem goes back to the pre-Islamic Revolution era. A glance at the late Imam Khomeini’s biography shows that his endeavors and struggles were linked to the Palestinian cause. One of the reasons behind the revolt against the Shah for Iran was his relationship with Israel.

One reason behind the arrest of the Imam and his subsequent exile was that he had taken a strong stance against Iran’s ties with the Zionist regime.

After the victory of the revolution, one of the Imam’s first declaration was ’Today Iran, tomorrow Palestine.’ He said that if each Muslim pours a bucket of water on Israel, the usurper regime will be destroyed.

Imam Khomeini as a matter of policy called for the unity of the Islamic world in endorsing the Palestinian cause and for this reason he declared the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as the International Qods Day. Given his deep political and religious vision and foresight, the Imam was aware of the dangers confronting facing Beit-ul-Moqaddas.

At present the leader of the Islamic Revolution and Iranian officials remain loyal to the Imam’s line of thought regarding Palestine and Holy Qods (Beit-ul-Moqaddas) and the Palestinian cause remains a top priority of the Islamic state.

In those days the Imam predicted the dangers that Beit-ul-Moqaddas would encounter, including the construction of the separation wall. Over 200,000 Zionists now live in Beit-ul-Moqaddas townships and settlements.

What is the effect of this day on global public opinion?

Revering this day with protests and rallies held worldwide has a positive effect on the Palestinian struggle for liberation. On this day every Muslim remembers his/her duty for liberating Beit-ul-Moqaddas and Palestine. This day helps maintain Qods and Palestine in the thoughts of all Muslims, Christians and freedom-seekers of the world. It is the source of vigilance for the Muslim Ummah. We see that every year more Muslims join the Qods Day ceremonies.

How can and should Islamic states support the Palestinian cause?

The Palestinian struggle has been going on for almost 100 years. Both before and after the Balfour Declaration the Palestinians launched many uprisings and Intifadahs such as in 1926 and 1936 and gave many martyrs. Until 1948 the number of Palestinian martyrs was more than 50,000 while many were maimed.

The confrontation and uprisings served as resistance to British and Zionist imperialists. The Islamic and Arab world both gave martyrs. There were even martyrs from Iran and Bosnia who laid down their lives for the Palestinian people and their cause.

The Palestinian nation has had Intifadahs and has proved to the occupiers that it deserves the right to determine its own destiny. In the first Intifadah of 1978, we accomplished a great deal and the enemy’s casualty toll was in the hundreds.

It also suffered an estimated 15 billion dollars in material damages. Living in fear, the Zionists could not move around in the same way that today they do not dare to ride buses.

To what extent is US support for Israel effective in helping the Zionists confront your people?

The plan for creating the Zionist state is a 100 percent western project. When attacking Egypt, Napoleon called for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Britain is the architect of the Balfour Declaration. Generally speaking, westerners are more responsible for the existence of the alien regime on Palestinian land.

The reason for this was not their love for the Jews, rather they wanted to get rid of the Jews and their evilness. The Americans have been pushing for their own interest in the Middle East, including oil and hegemony. The US wants to spread the seeds of discord among Arabs and Muslims and rule over them. It has a history of creating turmoil in Muslim countries and enmity among Sunnis and Shiites. The so-called new Middle East Initiative is in line with this policy.

The Palestinian Intifadahs have continued for a century. The latest case in point is Al-Aqsa Intifadah. Our struggle will
continue until all Palestinian territory is liberated. We believe
the unity of purpose of Palestinian groups ultimately bring
victory. A Palestinian who draws a gun against his Palestinian brother is a criminal.

Your view of the Israeli losses in its recent attack on Lebanon and its impact on the Palestinian cause.

The primary basis for Hezbollah’s victory was faith, devotion, steadfastness, and their uncompromising belief in jihad, martyrdom and divine support.

The defeat of the enemy in Lebanon was both material and moral. Hezbollah’s successes were for all Muslims and it has greatly impacted the Palestinian cause. Years of resistance has taught us that the enemy will not retreat without resistance. Israel never fulfills any of its pledges. Even when Arabs said they would recognize Israel after they withdraw from the West Bank, Gaza and other occupied lands, the Israelis responded by occupying all of the West Bank, started erecting the separation wall and expanded their illegal colonies.

Regarding recent developments, I believe the biggest mistake is to ask Hamas to recognize Israel without the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. Such moves are doomed to failure. The Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) recognized Israel in 1993.

What was the result? The result was that the Palestinian nation was subjected to more oppression, the Gaza Strip was dislodged and (now) we are losing Beit-ul-Moqaddas. Why should we seek dialogue and reconciliation with the enemy who does not meet any of its commitments? In our view America is responsible for all of this.