'Europe must raise its voice for justice on issue of Palestine': Iran FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has urged European countries to raise their voices for justice on the Palestinian issue, noting that it is a "crucial test" for the legitimacy of values that Europe claims to be working for. 

In a post published on the social media platform X on Thursday, the top Iranian diplomat congratulated Europeans on the occasion of the Europe Day, which is celebrated on May 9 every year.

“On this special day all who worked for peace and prosperity for Europe should be mindful on the peace and security all over the world,” Amir-Abdollahian wrote.

He referred to the unfolding Israeli atrocities in Gaza, stressing that what is happening in the besieged coastal sliver weighs "heavy on the conscience of humanity" and is a "crucial test for the legitimacy of values namely human rights and dignity" that Europeans claim to be working for.

“The Europe must raise its voice for justice on the issue of Palestine,” the Iranian foreign minister underscored.

Amir-Abdollahian further noted that Iran "stands ready" to continue to work and engage with Europe "based on respect, constructive dialogue, cooperation for mutual interests," as well as peace and security in the world.

The remarks come as Palestine solidarity protests continue across different universities in Europe.

125 students arrested as Dutch police raid pro-Palestinian camp at Amsterdam university

Dutch police violently break up a pro-Palestinian demonstration camp at the University of Amsterdam, arresting 125 students.

Dutch police on Thursday dispersed a student protest at the University of Amsterdam in the second consecutive day of demonstration over Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian enclave that has been dragged on for the past seven months.

Police forces in full riot gear attacked protesters and knocked down makeshift barricades of desks, bricks and wooden pallets, arresting at least 32 demonstrators. Videos of the incident show police dragging several students away as hundreds shouted: “Shame on you!”

In Spain, demonstrations and encampments continued at several campuses across the country. A non-profit association representing 77 universities across Spain said its members would review and, where appropriate, suspend agreements with Israeli universities and research centers.

The campus protests come as EU leaders fend off growing pressure to respond to Israel’s war on Gaza.

Israel unleashed its atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7.

At least 34,904 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 78,514 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well.

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