20,000 Demonstrators in London Calling for an End to the Israeli Occupation

LONDON, June 10, 2007, (WAFA)- 

Thousands of anti-Israeli occupation demonstrated Saturday in London showing their support for the Palestinians living under occupation and calling for ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

The 20,000 demonstrators rally, held to mark the 40th anniversary of the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, was organised by Enough! a coalition of over 50 charities, trade unions, father and other campaign groups.

The speakers at the rally, which took place in Trafalgar Square, included the Palestinian Ambassador to Britain, Manuel Hassassian, members of the Palestinian government, trade unionists, faith leaders and an Israeli refusnik.

Minister of Information Mustafa Barghouti, addressed the rally calling for international support to the democratically elected government.

He compared the situation to apartheid South Africa stating that "Israel cannot be changed from within, there needs to be pressure from outside". His call for a boycott of Israel was echoed by several speakers. He also called for the release of Alan Johnston.

Two other members of the Palestinian government, the Minister of Education (who is now under Israeli detention) and the Minister of Planning, had intended to attend the rally, but were not granted visas by Britain. Prime Minister Ismael Haniya delivered a video message to the crowd.

He said that Israel had conquered the land, but that it had failed to conquer the people. He called for a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Bishop Riah Abu El Assal, the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, spoke of his belief in the ultimate victory of peace based on justice. Bruce Kent of Pax Christi spoke of peace and praised Jews who campaign for justice for the Palestinians, and who formed a major part of the coalition. Netan'l Silverman, an Israeli member of Combatants for Peace, a group that forms dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli ex-combatants spoke of their important work.

Dr Daud Abdullah, spoke from the Muslim Council of Britain and Ismael Patel, from the Friends of al Aqsa. Dr Azzam Tamimi, of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought, recalled the events of 1967 and their effect on his parents, and reminded supporters that they must not tell the Palestinians what to accept and what not to accept.

Several British politicians also called for an end to the occupation, including Jeremy Corbyn MP and Baroness Jenny Tonge, who are both patrons of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, as well as Richard Burden MP, Emily Thornberry MP, George Galloway MP and Caroline Lucas MEP.

Alison Shepherd, President of the Trade Union Congress stated that the TUC had renewed its policy of support to the Palestinians last year and had started a campaign to add its voice to the growing call for an end to occupation.

She highlighted the worsening economic situation, increased poverty, and the exploitation of Palestinian workers. Keith Sonnet, Deputy General Secretary of UNISON, also spoke of the need to recognise international law and called for the wall to be brought down.

S.A.S. (11:25 P) (08:25 GMT)