Gazans protest against siege, call for Abbas to step down

Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered this morning across Salah Al-Din Street in protest of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ policies against the Gaza Strip, to demand an end to the siege and in support of prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

The participants formed human chains along the street, extending from the southernmost part of Gaza to the northern. The action was called for by the National Committee to Break the Siege.

They waved Palestinian flags and signs demanding Abbas step down as they hold him responsible for the siege on Gaza. They also condemned his recent measures against Gaza and stressed their support and solidarity with the prisoners in Israeli prisons.

Read: PA President Mahmoud Abbas needs to decide which side he’s on

The masses, who gathered at over 50 congregation points along Salah Al-Din Street, also pointed out that Abbas was to meet US President Donald Trump with empty hands, with no guarantees from the campaign of concessions. They said he was presenting him the Palestinian cause on a silver platter and thus giving Palestinians another campaign of setbacks.

The protestors, who came from all walks of life, also condemned Abbas’ recent measures against the residents of the besieged Gaza Strip, including his refusal to pay for the enclave’s electricity and the cut in salaries for Fatah members living in Gaza. They said his actions were all in an effort to appease Trump ahead of the leaders’ meeting tomorrow.

Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip protested against President Mahmoud Abba in Gaza on 2 May 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip protested against President Mahmoud Abbas’ policies against the besieged enclave on 2 May 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip protested against President Mahmoud Abbas’ policies against the besieged enclave [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip protested against President Mahmoud Abbas’ policies against the besieged enclave on 2 May 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Palestinians protest against President Mahmoud Abbas’ policies on 2 May 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]