TEHRAN – Tens of thousands of Iranians protested on Friday in the capital Tehran and other cities to condemn Israeli atrocities in Lebanon and Gaza in what is going to be the “Fridays of Rage” rallies. 
In Tehran after Friday prayers, a protest took place around Enghelab Square in the city center. Demonstrators carried portraits of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah as well as Palestinian and Hezbollah flags.
“Israel is destroyed. Lebanon is victorious,” they chanted, deploring “a bloodbath in Lebanon.” Protesters also burned Israeli and U.S. flags.
National television aired footage of other demonstrations in Semnan, Qom, Kashan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas and other cities.
A rally statement issued in Tehran hailed the steadfastness of the brave fighters of Hezbollah and vowed that ultimate victory belongs to the resistance.
The statement noted that the Zionist regime’s attacks on Lebanon clearly demonstrate the malicious intent of the apartheid regime to escalate and expand its aggression in the region.
“We firmly believe that these blows will not undermine the organizational and human strength of the Resistance front and Hezbollah. The heroic resistance of the unparalleled symbols of honor and freedom, who have stood up in defense of the oppressed people of Gaza, will continue with strength,” the statement said.
The statement warned the United Nations and other international bodies that as long as the colonial entity continues the massacre of innocent people amid global silence, humanity will not see peace.
It called for global action to rein in the Zionist regime and prepare the ground for a permanent ceasefire while restoring Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
The statement said the inaction of the UN Security Council and other bodies has proven that they practically serve the interests of arrogant powers. It called on free and independent governments and nations around the world, particularly in the Arab and Muslim world, to stand up against oppression and not abandon Lebanon and Gaza.
The participants said they are ready to offer any kind of assistance to Gaza and Lebanon, continuing their support until Palestinian lands are fully liberated.