Syria has reaffirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian nation, saying the world must roundly condemn Israeli crimes and assaults against defenseless Palestinians and devise appropriate measures to stop the vicious acts.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the illegal creation of the Israeli regime, known among Palestinians as the Day of Nakba, or the Day of Catastrophe, which is commemorated every year on May 15.
More than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly removed from their ancestral homes in Palestine and 500 villages and towns were destroyed by Zionist militias before the Israeli regime declared its illegal existence. Palestinians are still enduring the repercussions of this catastrophe to this day.
In its statement, the Syrian Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for the Palestinian people’s resistance against the Israeli regime and their legitimate cause to gain inalienable rights and establish a sovereign independent state with al-Quds as its capital.
It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities, denounce the occupying Israeli regime’s criminal attacks on innocent Palestinians, including women, children and the elderly, and hold the perpetrators to account.
South Africans commemorate Nakba Day
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Embassy in South Africa organized on Monday a mass demonstration in Cape Town in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Nakba Day.
Today the Embassy of the State of Palestine, together with a sea of peace-loving Capetonians, and South African political parties, commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the #Nakba, with a powerful and peaceful march to South African Parliament. pic.twitter.com/stCRqQyMig
— Embassy of the State of Palestine - South Africa (@PalEmbassyZa) May 15, 2023
The event brought together representatives from various political parties, civil society institutions and organizations, who took part in the rally to voice their unwavering support for the Palestinian nation.
Let us continue to build bridges of solidarity and support between South Africa and Palestine, and stand together in the fight for universal social justice. pic.twitter.com/XjlVl7TD71
— Embassy of the State of Palestine - South Africa (@PalEmbassyZa) May 15, 2023
Faisal Aranki, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), lauded the firm and unwavering support of the South African nation and leadership for the Palestinian cause, especially as Palestinians are marking Nakba Day.
Palestinian Ambassador to South Africa, Hanan Jarrar, also thanked all participants and termed their presence an outward manifestation of South Africans’ advocacy for the Palestinian right to self-determination.