Hundreds of students, activists, academics, and concerned citizens gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi today in a strong show of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The protest, titled “Delhi Rises for Palestine: Gaza Under Siege, Humanity Under Trial,” was organised by Friends of Palestine and drew participation from across the national capital.
Chants of “Resist Occupation, Resist Genocide” filled the air as demonstrators held placards with messages like “Stop Bombing Gaza,” “End the Blockade,” and “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” The protestors condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The gathering began at 2 PM and was part of a nationwide mobilisation demanding an end to the bombing and blockade of Gaza. Speakers from student groups, civil society organisations, and academia described the large-scale destruction, starvation, and systemic violence faced by Palestinians. They urged both the Indian government and the international community to break their silence and take a moral stand.
Abdul Hafeez, National President of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), said that the siege on Gaza is not just a war but a crime against humanity. “As bombs fall and children starve, the world watches in silence,” he said. “We call upon India to uphold its moral responsibility and demand an immediate end to Israel’s aggression. This is not just about Palestine, it’s about the soul of humanity.”
Nitish, President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), stated that what is happening in Gaza is not a conflict but a clear case of apartheid and genocide. “Our solidarity cannot be conditional,” he said.
“Students and youth in India stand firmly with the Palestinian people’s struggle for justice and freedom.”
Saleem Khan, Central Council Member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, warned that the silence of democratic nations in the face of genocide is dangerous. “It is a test of our moral and political integrity,” he said.
“Standing with Palestine is standing with the truth.”
Prof. Nandita Narain, a prominent academic and activist, described the situation as a humanitarian emergency. “The collective punishment of an entire population is a war crime,” she said.
“The Indian government must stop enabling this genocide through silence and passive diplomacy.”
S.Q.R. Ilyas, General Secretary of the Welfare Party of India, said that history will remember not only the crimes of the aggressors but also the silence of the so-called civilised world. “We urge the Indian government to break diplomatic ties with Israel until the siege ends,” he said.
The protestors demanded an immediate ceasefire and an end to all military assaults on Gaza. They called for the lifting of the illegal blockade and the opening of safe corridors for humanitarian aid. They also urged global accountability for the war crimes and advocated for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against what they called the apartheid regime of Israel.
As the rally ended, organisers stated that this protest is part of an ongoing resistance movement across campuses and civil society spaces in India and that the fight for justice in Palestine will continue.
