‘Free Palastine’ solidarity march sweeps through Gaborone
Demonstrators in Gaborone have protested the bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which Israel launched following the deadly attacks in early October on Israeli civilians by the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza.
Scores of protestors gathered at the Gaborone Senior Secondary School grounds for a Free Palestine Solidarity March adding to the wave of proPalestinian demonstrations that have swept across the globe in recent days.
This is in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has raised tensions around the world, with both Jewish and Muslim communities feeling under threat.
Free Palestine Solidarity March representative, Salim Essack told The Midweek Sun in an interview that the aim of the demonstration was to pray for safety, wellbeing of the sick, relief of families of the dead and for the protection of the hospitals, as well as the Mosque in Gaza.
Essack said this could be the first march of many and it is their prayer for the war to end as women and children are being killed daily. He urged demonstrators to go to church and pray as there is no burden that can overpower
God.
One of the organisers, Justin Hunyepa from human rights organisation, DITSHWANELO, said they were deeply alarmed by the escalation of violence in Gaza, which has resulted in indiscriminate killing of civilians and immense suffering.
“We urgently call for an immediate ending of hostilities and for strict adherence to human rights principles and international law. The bombing of Gaza by the State of Israel and the consequent loss of thousands of civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly, is a serious violation of the most basic human rights,” Hunyepa said.
Ditshwanelo firmly believes that every human being, regardless of their nationality or background, deserves the right to life, security, and dignity.
Hunyepa expressed concern that if this crime against humanity continues, more lives will be lost and human rights, especially socio-economic rights, will also continue to be violated.
He said these violations of socioeconomic rights are a result of bombardments, the blockade, the forced displacement and the cutting off of water, food, medicine and energy supplies adding that these actions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity in international law.