UAE | General
Massive UAE rally decries Israeli brutality
Thousands of people took to the streets across the UAE in a peaceful rally in support of the people of Gaza.
- By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor; Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter; and Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:47 January 9, 2009
- Image Credit: Abdul Rehman/Gulf News
- Thousands of Palestinians and others joined the protest rally at the Abu Dhabi corniche against Israel's attack on Gaza.
Abu Dhabi/Dubai/ Sharjah: Thousands of people took to the streets across the UAE on Friday in a peaceful rally in support of the people of Gaza.
"Stop the blood", "God is great," shouted the crowd in Abu Dhabi as they gathered on the Corniche.
Hundreds of Emiratis and expatriates carried a huge Palestinian flag and wrapped the traditional Palestinian Kaffiyeh around their necks and walked from Abu Dhabi chamber of Commerce to the breakwater intersection.
"We may not be able to stop, but the world must listen to us. It's unbelievable that no one can stop the mad Israeli killing machine," said Sara Hamad, an Emirati student.
With sad eyes Salwa, a Palestinian woman, walked holding a sign saying "Palestine is a Arab land."
"Revolution Gaza, Revolution," shout the crowd. One woman shouted, "Where are the Arabs? Where is justice?"
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The rally was organised by the Ministry of the Interior nation-wide.
Freedom of expression
Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, said in a press statement "President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and higher authorities are keen to support the people's efforts to express their opinion."
In Dubai, people were invited to take part in the marches through email and sms messages and also by postings on popular community websites like facebook.
"When will the world act after Israel?" screamed one placard. Another threw light on the plight of the Palestinians. "750,000 without water; 725 Palestinians killed, 230 children killed and 3,200 wounded!"
Andrew, a British national said he is taking part in the march to bring attention to the injustice; "Not just Arabs, nobody is doing anything about the killing of Palestinians."
Protesters
Ijjaz, from India who participated with his family said he wanted to express his solidarity for the Palestinian cause. "I think countries like India should speak out against the attacks and do more to stop this violence," he said. His two daughters, Aisha and Shamma, also said they are angry and sad about what is happening in Gaza and wanted to mark their protest.
In Sharjah, more than 3000 residents marched on the Buheirah Corniche to condemn the Israeli aggression.
"I want them to know that our hearts are with them and that we pray every minute for their victory," said Nora Al Hosani, an Emirati who participated in the rally to emphasise the strong bond between the Emiratis and the people of Gaza. "I hope that the cries of Gaza's children will be heard by the International and Arab leaders who so far have turned deaf ears for their plight," she added.
Pictures of children's bodies under the debris of collapsed buildings which have been hit by Israeli fires were carried by protesters to "remind the Israeli's that the Arab world will not forget nor forgive their crimes against their brothers and sisters," according to a protester.
Palestinian and Emirati flags were also carried by protesters as they chanted slogans which called for Palestinian national unity.
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