Friday solidarity march for Palestine
SOUTH Africans are rallying together to demonstrate their outrage over the conflict in Palestine through placard demonstrations and marches.
On Friday, the South African Palestine Solidarity and human rights organisation, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against Israel (BDS) in South Africa, held Nelson Mandela Day protests outside the Israeli Embassy Trade Office in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Muhammed Desai, of BDS South Africa, said a moment of silence was observed for 67 seconds for the Palestinians killed in recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip.
This Friday, the KwaZuluNatal Palestine Solidarity Forum will march from the Grey Street Mosque to the City Hall.
Organiser Lubna Nadvi said South Africans had expressed outrage at the atrocities committed in Gaza under the guise of peace and security for Israel.
“The struggle for the liberation of Palestine has received immense support in the last two weeks with many NGOs and even the African National Congress calling for severing ties with the apartheid state of Israel,” said Nadvi.
She added that since the start of the latest operation by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) over 500 people had been massacred in the Israeli incursion by land, sea and air, using some of the most dangerous and sophisticated weaponry.
“The IDF maintains their right to protect themselves from militants firing rockets into Israel, yet it continues to bomb civilian targets such as hospitals, homes and schools.
“The bombardment has traumatised the entire population whose problems are worsened by a desperate shortage of food and fuel.”
She added that Friday would mark Palestine Day in Durban and was set to bring together thousands of people in a show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.
“Locals will be calling for an immediate end to the bombing of Gaza and lifting of the siege. This is an appeal to all people in every community to participate in the march just as millions protested for South Africa in the dark days of apartheid.”