Region | Palestinian Territories

Arab TV channels join hands to launch pro-Gaza telethon

More than 30 Arab television stations will participate on Friday in a telethon to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, according to media officials.

  • By Ramadan Al Sherbini, Correspondent
  • Published: 13:05 January 13, 2009
  • Gulf News

Cairo: More than 30 Arab television stations will participate on Friday in a telethon to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, according to media officials.

"Some 35 Arab satellite and terrestrial TV channels will join in the telethon to raise money and encourage blood donation for people in Gaza through the Arab Crescent societies," said Ebrahim Abu Zekri, the chairman of the Cairo-based Arab Producers' Union.

The telethon, due to start from Cairo, will run for 12 hours and will include television stations from several Arab countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq and Jordan, added Abu Zekri. "Arab TV personalities have volunteered to present the programme, which will tackle humanitarian topics away from emotionalism or recriminations."

Television stations promoting certain political agendas such as Al Manar of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Al Aqsa TV of Hamas have been asked to join in the telethon, to be launched in co-ordination with the Arab League.

Abu Zekri is, however, not worried about the different leanings of the participants. "The broadcasting will be transmitted through a master station set up for this purpose in the Egyptian Media City," he explained.

Leading Arab actors and entertainers have confirmed their participation in the telethon, according to the official. They include Nour Al Sherif, Hussain Fahmi, Hani Chaker and Mohammad Fouad. "Muslim and Christian clerics will join too," said Abu Zekri. "We want to tell the people of Gaza that we all are with them in their ordeal."

Israel's deadly attacks on Gaza have triggered angry protests across the Arab world since they commenced on December 27.

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