In an open letter released on Thursday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised American students who initiated a pro-Palestinian movement on several U.S. campuses. This wave of support for Palestinians, starting in mid-April at Columbia University in New York, has since expanded to numerous institutions, from California to New England.
The students are vocal in their denunciation of the United States' military support for its Israeli ally. They are demanding that their universities sever all ties with companies linked to Israel. In his letter, Khamenei expressed his support and solidarity, stating that these young students are on the 'right side of history'.
Iran, which does not recognize Israel, positions itself as a staunch supporter of Hamas. The current conflict, which began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, has heightened tensions globally.
'Dear young students in the United States! This is our message of sympathy and solidarity with you. You are now on the right side of history,' wrote Khamenei in the letter, signed on Saturday but published on his website on Thursday. He praised the students for having begun an 'honorable struggle under the brutal pressure of your government which openly defends the usurping and ruthless Zionist regime (Israel)'.
The student-led movement has not only spread across America but has also reached multiple countries, particularly in Europe. Schools in France, Germany, and Switzerland have seen similar pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
- In addition to the pro-Palestinian movements on campuses, significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been reported in major cities around the world, including Paris, London, Sydney, and Washington.
- This global solidarity reflects a broader dissatisfaction with various governments' positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Demonstrators are calling for justice, peace, and a reevaluation of international support for Israel.
