National Conference on “Peace and Justice for Palestine” A Call for Solidarity, Justice, and Humanity

On 18 July 2025, The national conference on the theme “Peace and Justice for Palestine” was held at Ghalib Academy, New Delhi. The event served as a powerful voice of solidarity from India against the ongoing Palestinian crisis and aimed to reaffirm the universal values of justice, peace, and humanity. The Conference was attended by 187 People.

Discussion:

Indian solidarity with Palestine remains rooted in moral principles and historical friendship, but faces complex challenges in a rapidly shifting global and domestic landscape. For solidarity to remain effective and relevant, it must evolve beyond slogans — into diplomatic, humanitarian, and people-centric initiatives. Balancing principle with pragmatism, and public sentiment with state policy, is the key to ensuring that India’s support for Palestine remains meaningful, credible, and future-facing.

H.E. Abdullah Abu Shawesh, Ambassador of Palestine to India, graced the event as the chief guest. In his passionate address, he reflected on the historic relationship between India and Palestine and expressed deep gratitude for the enduring support of the Indian people. Referring to his recent meeting with India’s External Affairs Ministry, the Ambassador stated that he had once again requested the supply of essential relief items such as medicines, food, clothing, and other necessities to Gaza. He was assured that, as always, the Indian government stands with Palestine and will dispatch the required aid soon.

Mufti Ashfaque Hussain Quadri, President of AITUI, described raising a voice against oppression as not only an Islamic duty but a moral and human responsibility.

Sajjad Hussain Kargili, a political activist, emphasized the significance of Kashmir-Palestine solidarity and the urgent need to raise global awareness against this genocide. He underscored that the issue is a matter of justice vs. injustice, not a conflict of Jews vs. Muslims, nor of Shia vs. Sunni.

Dr. Shujaat Ali Quadri, Chairman of MSO, stated, “The cries of Palestinian children are not just cries from Gaza they are cries from the soul of humanity. Their pain is our shared failure.”

Feroze Mithiborwala, General Secretary of IPSF, condemned the aggression as a manifestation of neo-colonialism and imperialism. He called for the public to engage actively in mass movements, both on the streets and across digital platforms. “This is a battle for humanity,” he declared, “and we must raise our voices through every medium possible.”

India was among the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974 and supported its full membership in the UN. The Indian freedom struggle created natural empathy with the Palestinian cause, aligning with anti-colonial solidarity.

As the Israeli occupation of Palestine deepens and normalization deals (like the Abraham Accords) attempt to whitewash decades of apartheid and aggression, the role of Trade Unions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) becomes critical in sustaining global solidarity. These grassroots forces often serve as the moral conscience of nations—mobilizing people’s power when state policies falter or align with oppressive regimes. Their efforts to oppose normalization and affirm Palestinian rights are now more important than ever.

Strategic Roles Going Forward

·  Trade unions and CSOs must form transnational alliances to share strategies, resources, and amplify impact.

·  South-South solidarity, especially among Asia, Africa, and Latin America, must be revived.

·   Demand exclusion of Israeli firms involved in occupation from public procurement and academic partnerships.

·   Push for corporate accountability using international human rights mechanisms.

Declaration for Lasting and Effective Indian Solidarity with Palestine

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations from across India — representing trade unions, student bodies, civil society networks, cultural platforms, and human rights defenders — hereby declare our unwavering commitment to a lasting and effective solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Recognizing:

1. That the Palestinian people have endured over seven decades of occupation, dispossession, siege, and systematic apartheid at the hands of the Zionist Israeli state.
2. That true solidarity demands not only words of sympathy but sustained action rooted in justice, equality, and international law.
3. That the struggle of the Palestinian people is a legitimate, anti-colonial, and democratic struggle for self-determination and dignity.
4. That India’s own historic support for Palestine was shaped by our freedom movement, moral leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement, and commitment to global justice;

We Affirm:

1. That normalization with the Israeli apartheid regime without a just resolution to the Palestinian question is a betrayal of India’s moral legacy.
2. That Indian solidarity must remain grounded in the principles of justice, equality, and international law, and must stand firmly against occupation, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes.
3. That voices of conscience within India  across religions, ideologies, castes, and communities — stand united with the Palestinian people.

We Commit Ourselves To:

1. Resisting normalization in all its forms economic, diplomatic, military, academic, and cultural until Israel complies with international law and ends its occupation;
2. Amplifying Palestinian voices in India’s public discourse through education, media, art, and activism;
3. Supporting campaigns of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) that are peaceful and rooted in international law.
4. Demanding the Indian government reassert its principled stance on Palestine and hold Israel accountable for its violations of human rights and international law.
5. Building bridges between Indian and Palestinian civil society, students, workers, artists, and academics in shared struggle against injustice and apartheid.

We Call Upon:

1. All democratic forces, trade unions, faith-based groups, youth organizations, and conscientious citizens to join this growing movement of principled solidarity.
2. The Indian government to revisit its foreign policy and reaffirm its historical role as a champion of oppressed peoples globally.
3. The global community to stand with Palestine in the pursuit of a just peace based on freedom, equality, and return.
4. This is not just a call for solidarity. It is a reaffirmation of India’s soul a soul that stood with Mandela, supported Vietnam, rejected apartheid in South Africa, and must now stand firmly, unconditionally, and unapologetically with the people of Palestine.
5. In the spirit of resistance, remembrance, and justice  we stand with Palestine.

Signed By

1. Mufti Ashfaq Husain Qadri (Chairman All India Tanzeem Ulema E Islam)
2. Feroze Mithiborwala (Gen Secretary, India Palestine Solidarity Forum)
3. Dr Shujaat Ali Quadri (Chairman – Muslim Students Organisation of India)
4. Dr Faizul Hasan (Director – International Democratic Rights Foundation)

Date: 18 July 2025  Location: New Delhi, India