RAMALLAH (PIC)– The African National Congress (ANC) along with a range of other organisations called on all South Africans to join the international week of action in solidarity with the Palestinian people starting 4 June 2007 according to an ANC press release on Monday.
Participants in the activities of this week which marks the 40th anniversary of the occupation by Israel of the West Bank the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights will add their voice to the global call for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel.
Protests are being coordinated by the End the Occupation Campaign comprising almost 20 civil society organisations social movements solidarity organisations political parties and faith-based organisations.
“Today thirteen years after the end of apartheid South Africans need to join hands and act in solidarity with the people of Palestine as they struggle for the realisation of their basic human rights. These include the right to self-determination and the return of the people of Palestine” the ANC press release said.
The ANC in Parliament has called for a debate on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel particularly the recent detention of members of the Palestinian legislature. On Thursday Members of Parliament will participate in a picket in the Cape Town City Centre to highlight this campaign.
The solidarity activities will culminate on Saturday 9 June in a mass march in Cape Town and a mass protest meeting at the Johannesburg City Hall.
