Gaza City – Safar 18 1429/ February 25, 2008 – Thousands of Palestinians are staging a protest in the Gaza Strip against the crushing Israeli blockade of the territory, with Israeli forces on alert for trouble or a possible rush on the border. The demonstration’s organizers say they expect up to 50,000 women and children to form a 40 km long “human chain” from Rafah to Beit Hanoun this afternoon. Israel tightened the blockade when Hamas seized control of Gaza in June.
The Popular Committee Against the Siege (PCAS), a pro-Hamas group headed by Palestinian parliamentarian Jamal Al Khudari, has called for a mass demonstration against the months-long siege on the impoverished territory, according to AFP. The group has announced it will attempt to construct a human chain from the sealed Rafah crossing on the southern Gaza border with Egypt to the Beit Hanun crossing in northern Gaza along the territory’s main highway.
“We do not have intentions of approaching the fence, either in the north or the south,” said Jamal Al Khudari. “We hope all the participants will abide by the instructions and we will try to prevent any violations.” Hamas, which took over the Gaza Strip last June following battles with forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, has said it backs the demonstration but did not organize it. Hamas-controlled schools across the coastal enclave have given pupils time off to take part in the human chain protest.
But Israel warned Hamas yesterday it would defend its territory if there were any disturbances during the rally. “Israel will not intervene in demonstrations inside the Gaza Strip but it will ensure the defense of its territory and prevent any violation of its sovereign borders,” said a joint statement from Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Media reports said the Israeli army is preparing for a possible rush on the border fence around the Gaza Strip aimed at breaking the economic blockade. “Israel will work to avoid a deterioration of the situation but declares unequivocally that Hamas must assume full responsibility if that happens,” the statement said.
HI/HA/IINA
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