By Mujeeb Rahman Kinalur
In recognition of this powerful show of support, H.E. Abdullah Abu Shawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to India,visited Kerala in recent days—a visit that drew significant attention. He held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and various political party heads. During these meetings, he expressed gratitude for Kerala’s unwavering support, lending international significance to the state’s solidarity.
Massive Political Rallies Across the State
The CPM’s rally on Kozhikode Beach, the Muslim League’s massive gathering in Malappuram, and the Congress party’s events across various districts saw attendance in the hundreds of thousands. The primary focus of these gatherings was on human rights, justice, and peace. Political leaders stood united in their condemnation of the attacks on the lives and property of the Palestinian people.
Among Indian states, Kerala stands out for its profound public support and active political mobilisation in solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for rights. Following the recent escalation of the situation in Gaza, Kerala’s streets have been flooded with demonstrations of solidarity. Major political parties, including the CPM, Congress, and Muslim League, along with various Muslim religious and social organisations, spearheaded rallies and public gatherings attended by hundreds of thousands. These robust demonstrations in Kerala have even sparked national conversations on the issue.
The Historical Roots of the Kerala-Palestine Connection
Several crucial factors explain why the pro-Palestinian stance is so deeply embedded in Kerala. From the era of India’s independence struggle, Kerala has maintained a strong stance against colonialism and imperialism. The establishment of Israel in 1948 was widely viewed here as a manoeuvre to protect British imperial interests. The pro-Palestine foreign policy adopted by India under Jawaharlal Nehru deeply influenced Kerala’s political and public consciousness.
Gulf Ties and Arab Influence
Gulf expatriates are integral to Kerala’s socio-economic fabric. Close relationships with Arab nations, constant exposure to Arab media, and a shared emotional connection to the Arab world have given Malayalis direct and consistent awareness of the Palestine issue. The Gulf connection serves as a conduit for Middle Eastern sentiments to swiftly reach Kerala.
Yasser Arafat and the PLO
Since the time of Israel’s formation, the majority of the people in Kerala have stood by the Palestinians. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and its leader Yasser Arafat enjoyed massive popular backing in the state. Seen not just as a national liberation movement but as a symbol of the broader anti-imperialist struggles in West Asia, the PLO received strong support from both the Indian government and the people of Kerala. While the core solidarity remains firm, recent events have also prompted discussions and challenges:
The Stance on Hamas and Islamist Movements
A key question debated is whether political disagreements with Islamist movements like Hamas have created an opposition to the overall Palestinian struggle within Kerala society. However, the majority of Malayalis continue to view the issue primarily through the lens of the Palestinian people’s fight for survival against Israeli occupation.
The Responsibility of a Civilised Society
Kerala is a vibrant secular, democratic society. Therefore, the Palestinian issue is viewed as a fundamental human rights concern and the responsibility of a civilised society to uphold justice. Even as discussions around political Islam arise, Kerala’s political parties and the general public remain unwilling to compromise on their support for the basic rights and justice of the Palestinian people.
Kerala’s solidarity with Palestine transcends geographical distance; it is a cultural commitment rooted in the values of humanity, justice, and secularism. This sustained stance is a powerful reflection of the state’s secular-democratic ethos.
Mujeeb Rahman Kinalur is an author, writer and cultural critic based at Calicut, Kerala
1 October 2025
Source: countercurrents.org