Demonstrations continue worldwide over Gaza violence

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Yahoo / AFP

ISTANBUL (AFP) – Demonstrations in Israel's main regional ally Turkey led swelling Muslim protests Sunday over the ground offensive in Gaza, as a Palestinian demonstrator was shot dead by Israeli troops in the West Bank. However, a demonstration in Paris backing Israel attracted several thousand supporters.

In Istanbul, organisers claimed as many as 700,000 people had turned out for their protest. Police in Turkey refused to give numbers, but central Istanbul's sprawling Caglayan square was packed with a sea of protesters.

~snip
A couple dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Hays-Adam hotel in Washington to greet Obama as he arrived to prepare his transition and meet his wife and daughters, who came a day earlier.
Some held candles, while others waved Palestinian flags and raised signs that read: "Obama Call for Ceasefire, Please," and "Not in Our Name."

In the Canadian city of Montreal, some 5,000 people according to media estimates, braved the bitter cold to march on the Israeli consulate to demand a halt to Israel's offensive.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090105/wl_afp/mideastconf...

[AnOhioan]

1. Israel is going to regret their actions...

First off, Hamas will likely emerge stronger than before and secondly, world opinion is showing signs of discontent with the situation. Granted, protests are nice to look at but rarely have any affect (witness the worldwide protests against the Iraq war).

Time will tell though, I believe the Israeli gov't made a huge assumption here, they assumed they would have the support of not only allied gov'ts but citizens of allied countries as well, they may not be the case for long.

[stillcool]

2. I think in some countries..

public opinion matters..hence the reluctance of some governments to join the 'coalition' for the Iraq War. Just because our government doesn't give a shit, that doesn't necessarily follow for other countries.

[defendandprotect]

3. If there is any good result from this it is, I hope, that people are waking up --

to rethink out all out support for Israel ---

especially r-w, Fundie Israel and "Murder In The Name of God" ....

Rabin and the peace talks shut down --

Supposedly the liberal/progressive-peace-loving Israel is trying to rise again --

Soon, I hope!!!

[Arctic Dave]

4. If Isreal keeps up with this kind of action they will do what no other Arab has done,

unit the Middle East. If this ever happens, say bye bye to Isreal.

[EFerrari]

7. United Palestinian Appeal is reporting record donations since this offensive began. n/t

[Joanne98]

5. Police break up pro-Gaza university protest

Source: IHT


RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian police have broken up a pro-Gaza march at a major West Bank university.

About 200 students marched Monday from the main gate of Bir Zeit University. They chanted "With our sprit, with our blood, we support you, Gaza!" They also chanted slogans criticizing the Israeli military operation in Gaza.

The students advanced in the direction of an Israeli checkpoint, but were blocked by more than 300 club-wielding Palestinian riot police.

Police beat some of the students. At least five protesters were dragged into police vans. A female student with a head wound was loaded into an ambulance.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has suppressed pro-Gaza demonstrations for fear they will express support for the rival Hamas movement.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/05/news/ML-Pales...

[High Plains]

6. I wonder what West Bankers think of Abbas' stance.

Playing party politics while his fellow Palestinians are being massacred. Maybe he and Hosni are having a good chuckle.