Protests to be held on Saturday in 30 countries against the siege of Gaza

22 February, 2008

GAZA, (PIC) Lawmaker Jamal al-Khudari, President of the Popular Committee Against Siege (PCAS) said that Saturday will be an International day of protest against the oppressive siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Khudari said in a press conference he held at the Ramattan news agency on Friday that protests will be held on Saturday in 70 cities in 30 different countries around the world to show solidarity with the people of Gaza "who are living extremely harsh conditions, getting worse by the day [as a result of the siege which] constitutes collective punishment and genocide."

He added that some people may think that the siege was broken by the brief breach of the Gaza-Egypt border, but this is wrong and the fact is that the siege continues and it is getting even harsher and effecting everyone and everything.

He also said that PCAS sent letters to all countries, and all levels, formal and popular to rally support for its campaign.

Khudari also welcomed the call by the European Parliament for ending the siege of Gaza and called upon the European Union and the International Community to take binding decisions in this regard.

Khudari said the day will be marked in the Gaza Strip by a general strike, laying a foundation stone for a monument to the victims of the siege and a march to the United Nations Office were a letter will be handed to the UN representative.

Protests will be held in many European capitals and cities according to Amin Abu Rashed, the President of the European Committee Against the Siege, who told PIC that his committee coordinated with PCAS to make Saturday 23 February 2008 a day of solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip.