29 June, 2017
Rouhani also commended nation's massive turnout on Quds rallies; "this is a source of hope for Muslims and Palestinians and indicates that virtue would win over vice at the end". "On the other hand, proximity among Islamic countries and avoiding the use of force against one another is in accordance with divine wisdom and in the interest of all Islamic countries".
"This is the true meaning of unity: Fasting Shiias come to the streets so gloriously as a gesture of solidarity and sympathy with Palestinians who are Sunnis", Imam Khamenei said, while appreciating high public turn out on the International Quds Day.
"Palestine is the number one issue of the Islamic world, but some Islamic countries are acting in such a way that as if the Palestinian case had been ignored and forgotten".
The annual celebration, which can attract millions of people, was first launched by the Islamic republic's late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and is now also marked by Iran's allies across the Middle East.
Addressing Iranians during Fitr prayers, Imam Khamenei said that Muslims today are obliged to fight Israel with whatever means they have. "The world of Islam is in need of unity and coalition and Muslim nations are nearly always in solidarity; those are governments that should abide by their duties".
In one video, Rouhani's security guards rushed him into his vehicle while others prevented demonstrators from approaching.
Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday agreed to a request by Iran's Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani to pardon or reduce the sentences of 1,049 eligible inmates convicted by courts of common pleas, the Islamic Revolution tribunals, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization. "With this rally our nation is telling America that we are determined to continue our path", said President Rouhani regarding the Senate's vote.
