Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets across the country to mark the annual Quds Day march in solidarity with Palestinians.

The late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in August 1979 declared the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as al-Quds Day, calling for international rallies in support of Palestinians and against Israel.

Iranians marched nationwide, namely in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad, in opposition to the continued occupation of the holy lands by the Zionist regime.

Several Iranian officials including the newly appointed head of the judiciary Sadegh Larijani attended the demonstration in Tehran.

Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad Movement Ramezan Abdullah and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal were also present at the rallies.

At the end of the rallies, a statement was issued in support of Palestinians.

The statement said that the Iranians “support Palestinian resistance”, adding that “Israel must avoid any new adventurism ” in the region.

The Swiss journalist who recently wrote a report about Zionists transporting Palestinian organs said that the Zionist regime has taken and transported body parts of over one thousand Palestinian martyrs.

Donald Boström, the Swiss reporter, discussed other dimensions of this issue in a media conference held in Algeria. He stated that this process started way back in 1960 and gained momentum after the first intifada. He also stated that Palestinians are not the only group targeted by the Zionists; all nations and all people are at risk.

Bostrom stated that he has recieved many death threats since publishing his controversial article. He said he was brave to write an article against the wishes of the Israeli lobby and to leak a serious crime that is being committed to the world.

Muslims gathered in huge numbers at several mosques of Lucknow on Friday to offer the ‘Alvida Namaz'(the last prayer) marking the last Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan.

‘We prayed to the Lord to raise the financial status of Muslims and also eradicate all their problems. In India, Hindu and Muslims have been living together for several centuries and we want them to be like this in future,’ said Moulvi Faizul Rehman, an Islamic cleric at a mosque in Lucknow.

Highlighting the significance of the ‘Alvida Namaz’, Mohammad Sayeed, a Namazi said that it is the reason why thousands of Muslim from across the city gather to offer prayers.

‘During Ramadan if we participate in the ‘Alvida Namaz’ and offer our prayers, then we get a reward for it and it will usher prosperity to us,’ Sayeed said.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri lunar calendar, commemorates the revelation of holy Quran, Islam’s holy book, and has traditionally been a time of religious fervour, settling old disputes and behaving charitably towards neighbours.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Considered auspicious for prayers, Muslims observe the month-long fasting named ‘Roza’.