Islamic bloc deputies stage solidarity protest on first anniversary of Jerusalem sit-in

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Islamic bloc deputies have held a protest in solidarity with the Jerusalem deputies and minister who continue to seek sanctuary at the headquarters of the International Red Cross in the city in protest at the threat by Israel to deport them. The original sit-in has now been held for over a year.

The anniversary protest, which was held at the Red Cross headquarters in Ramallah, was attended by a group of Islamic deputies from cities across the West Bank led by the President of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the exiled Jerusalem deputy, Sheikh Muhammad Abu Tir along with elected deputy Hassan Khareisha.

In a speech at the event, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Dr Aziz Doek, confirmed the need to “lift the historic oppression of the people, their deputies, ministers, leaders and icons. And demand that the world restore to the people as a whole, and particularly their deputies, their natural right to live in security on Palestinian land and in Jerusalem.” Sheikh Abu Tir added that the Jerusalem deputies’ patience, challenge and sit-in were symbolic of the greater struggle against Israeli oppression.

The deputies renewed their demand for the international and Arab communities to take an honourable stand on the side of the people in rejection of the decision to expel them until the Israel occupation authorities revoke it. The deportation order violates the rights of elected representatives and their parliamentary immunity but none of the advocates of democracy in the West have made any moves to put pressure on the Israeli government to end the occupation and its human rights abuses.

MEMO Photographer: Ibtehal Mansour