Iraqis celebrate Al-Quds Day in Baghdad

Hundreds of Iraqis took to streets of Baghdad on Friday to celebrate Al-Quds Day, when pro-Palestine rallies are held around the world.

The annual event, held on the last Friday of Ramadan, is named after the Arabic name for Jerusalem. It was initiated in Iran after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Both Shia and Sunni Muslim leaders joined the crowds on the streets of the Iraqi capital. Rallies also took place across Iran.

"Iraqi fighters who have battled with Daesh militants do not forget Palestinians," Muin el-Kadimi, a commander of the Shia Badr Brigade, told Anadolu Agency. "We are holding this gathering to show our solidarity."

He added: "We have never forgotten the persecutions against Palestinians brothers."

The day marks Israel's oppression of Palestinians and the appropriation of Arab land since 1948.