Arabs hold mass demonstrations in Israel

Palestinians in Israel continued their massive demonstrations, rejecting the continuous Israeli violations against Palestinians in the occupied territories and Jerusalem, as well as in solidarity with Al-Aqsa Mosque, Safa news agency reported.

The largest demonstration was organised in the city of Sakhnin, where 20,000 Arab Israelis took to the street. They took part in industrial action and chanted: “Our soul and our blood, we will sacrifice for Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Leaders of the Islamic, national and youth movements led the demonstrations, which included a wide range of participants affiliated to a number of Palestinian political parties in Israel.

In a speech during the demonstration Sakhnin Mayor Mazen Ghanayim said: “A couple of days ago we took to the streets in solidarity with Al-Aqsa, when we warned the Israeli institution of its practices there.”

“We said that the situation was dangerous and is similar to playing with fire. However, the Israeli institution did not hear or do anything.”

Ghanayim added: “Instead, the Israeli occupation continued its aggression against the Palestinians and tens were killed in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The aggression extended to the Palestinians in Israel just for condemning crimes and field executions.”

Meanwhile, head of the Islamic Movement in Israel Sheikh Raed Salah said: “I want to salute this national unity, where the Islamic leadership is standing side by side with the Christian leadership, where the political leaders meet with the youth leaders.”

“We are a nation that does not surrender; we win or die… The Israeli institution threatens us, saying it would outlaw us. From here, from Sakhnin, I announce that the Israeli occupation is illegal.”

Arab member in the Israeli Knesset Ahmed Tibi said: “From here, I send a united message that we are defending Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is the precious diamond in the crown. In your name, we say: Al-Aqsa is a place for prayer and it is only for Muslims. Then, you do what you can do.”

Other Arab Knesset members also stressed the importance of defending Al-Aqsa Mosque.