Iran marks Quds Day with anti-Israeli rallies
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 July 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran marks Quds Day with anti-Israeli rallies, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a43c331c.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 01, 2016
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken part in state-sponsored anti-Israeli rallies across the country to mark the annual Quds Day.
Some protesters set Israeli and U.S. flags on fire while others chanted "Death To America" and "Death To Israel", Iranian media reported.
The day was established by the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to show support for Palestinians and opposition to Israel, which Iran does not recognize.
Attending the rally in Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rohani said regional conflicts make it increasingly difficult to support the Palestinian cause.
"Today, due to the divisions in the Islamic world, the presence of [Sunni extremists] and terrorists in the region, we are far away from the ideal of liberating Palestine," Rohani was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies.
Meanwhile, the deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hossein Salami, warned that Lebanon's Hizballah "has 100,000 missiles that are ready to hit Israel."
Based on reporting by Tasnim, IRNA, AFP, and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
