Iranians rally as Gaza ceasefire begins
Massive Tehran march backs Palestinians after truce takes effect
Iranians rallied in Tehran in support of the Palestinians as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began in Gaza.
Demonstrators burned a US flag and marched down the streets with Iranian and Palestinian flags following Friday Prayers.
The Israeli military said the ceasefire agreement had been activated at noon local time. Israel's government ratified the ceasefire with Hamas, clearing the way to partially pull back troops and fully suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours.
The massive rally entitled Basharat-e Nasr (tidings of victory) march was held after Friday prayers, moving from Tehran University to Azadi Square. Participants carried Iranian and Palestinian flags, as well as portraits of late commanders of the resistance.
The demonstrators included clerics, students, families of war victims, and children. Many held placards reading “No to compromise, yes to resistance” and “Nations are awake.”
Chants such as “Palestine will be victorious” and “Gaza is not alone” echoed along Enghelab Street.
Similar rallies were reported in other cities, including Tabriz, Ahvaz, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, Isfahan, and Gorgan.
Cultural and student groups performed revolutionary songs along the route and distributed statements calling for an end to the war in Gaza. Women and children were visibly present, many wearing Palestinian scarves and carrying banners.
The communiqué issued during the Tehran rally emphasized Palestinian rights under a ceasefire agreement that was signed in Egypt and took effect earlier in the day.
“The implementation of these provisions must be unconditional and without any pretext or delay by the Zionist regime,” it added.
Another part of the statement underlined that supporting the Palestinian struggle against occupation and apartheid is seen as a universal duty, and that decisions about Palestine’s future should rest solely with its people and resistance groups.
The truce, brokered by the United States, began. The Israeli military confirmed it had withdrawn to agreed positions under the first phase of the deal.
By midday, tanks had pulled back from Gaza’s coastal al-Rashid Street, allowing displaced residents to return to Gaza City.
According to official figures, more than 67,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
