Iranian President Hails Operation Al-Aqsa Storm as Turning Point in Palestinian Cause

Speaking during a virtual Al-Quds Pulpit ceremony that was held simultaneously in Tehran, Damascus, Sana’a, Beirut, and Baghdad on Wednesday, Raisi emphasized the historic significance of the operation, which took place amid years of Israeli devastation and oppression, with the indifferent silence of human rights organizations.

“Al-Aqsa Storm is a turning point in the history of the fight against the occupation, and the course of the Palestinian battle is divided into before and after the operation," Raisi said.

“The world and the region will not return to the conditions before this operation, and the insane perpetration of war crimes and the massacre of women and children by the Zionists will not cover up their irreparable defeats,” he added.

Raisi asserted that the Zionist regime has resorted to war crimes and genocide against women and children to compensate for the strategic blow dealt by the Al-Aqsa Storm operation.

“Thanks to the valor, faith, and courage of the Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, it has become clear to everyone today that the Zionist regime’s abode is more fragile than a spider web, and the world is witnessing the fulfillment of this divine promise,” Raisi said.

He also highlighted the challenges facing Israel, stating, “In the military field, the dominance of the Palestinian will over the multi-layered defense systems of the Zionists has further proven the illusion of the regime’s invincibility and revealed its high level of vulnerability to the world.”

Regarding peace plans, Raisi said, “The Palestinian operation has sidelined the humiliating peace plans to settle the conflict, and showed that anybody counting on these plans is 'playing a dead horse.'"

He said the Palestinian fighters have proved that no plan for the future of Palestinian land can be implemented without the consent of the owners of the land.

Raisi noted that Israel’s atrocities have awakened global public opinion, even among allies of the regime, evidenced by massive pro-Palestine protests in many countries.

He criticized the West for its “shameful silence” on Israel's atrocities, asserting, “Without any doubt, the US is a definite accomplice in the Israeli crimes in Gaza.”

Turning to recent events, Raisi vowed retaliation for the Israeli attack on the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus. He promised that the “brave men of the resistance front” will punish the regime for its actions.

“(The attack) shows the peak of this regime's frustration and helplessness and that, in a crazed effort to cover up its failures, it does not hesitate to commit any act in its crimes against humanity.”

On International Quds Day, Raisi reaffirmed Iran's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be a supporter of resistance and emphasizes the legitimacy of the Palestinian people in their struggle against the occupying enemy.”