Journalists rally in support of beleaguered population

Dubai: A group of UAE-based journalists gathered on Monday evening at the Palestinian Consulate in Dubai to demand an immediate stop to the Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza.

Around 30 journalists from the main Arabic newspapers in the UAE held a candlelight vigil to express solidarity with the residents of Gaza and to drive home the message that the Palestinian cause remains at the core of Arab concerns.

Rasha Owais, a freelance journalist, said: "Journalists should show solidarity with issues that concern their societies and we are here to tell the people of Gaza [that] we do not only condemn the Israeli aggression but, more importantly, we condemn Arab weakness," said Owais.

More than 550 civilians including children and women have been killed since the Israeli bombardment of Gaza started on December 27.

Statement issued

A statement issued on behalf of the journalists who participated in the vigil called for an immediate stop to the Israeli aggression, the opening of all border crossings, and an international investigation into the massacre perpetrated by the Israeli government. The journalists also demanded the cancellation of all peace negotiations with what they called the "Zionist state".

The journalists held out banners professing solidarity with the people of Gaza. One such message was left on one of the walls at the consulate's entrance and candles were lit around a map of historical Palestine.

Mohammad Harb, a journalist from Al Khaleej, said he participated in the vigil "to apologise to the martyrs, the injured, and, most importantly, to the children of Gaza for the Arab silence and inability to help them".

Relief: Lending a hand

Donations will be accepted until Sunday for the "Deliver Hope to People in Gaza" aid campaign launched by Aramex and the Majid Al Futtaim Group.

Needed materials: First-aid kits, medical emergency supplies, medicines for chronic illnesses, personal hygiene products, non-perishable foods, new clothes, tents, blankets.

Locations where donations will be accepted: Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Sharjah City Centre and Ajman City Centre.

The UAE Red Crescent Society Gaza campaign is soliciting donations at Mall of the Emirates, Wafi City and at Union Co-operative Society outlets in Safa, Al Aweer, Al Twar and Al Hamriya besides at UAE Red Crescent society offices in Al Twar, Dubai.

Needed materials: Food that can be preserved for long periods such as rice and milk powder and new cloths.Call Red Crescent at 800733 for collections of items.Companies can also contact the UAE Red Crescent Society to set up collection stalls at their own premises.

Donations can be made to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Account number 20000417 and Dubai Islamic Bank account number 03520534675401.