Karachi speaks for Palestine, demanding an end to Israeli occupation
By Sumair Abdullah
On 19 May, the members of civil society and youth of Karachi gathered at Karachi Press Club to demonstrate against the Israeli recent attacks on Gaza Strip. The protesters also displayed placards to show their solidarity with the people of Palestine. The demonstrators were charged, chanting slogans against the Israeli aggression. Some of the slogans on the placards were "Hum lay ke rahein gay Azadi" (we will get freedom), "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", and “I am Pakistani & I stand with Palestine.” Later, the demonstrators passed a resolution in favor of the Palestinian people before dispersing peacefully.
As the fighting enters the second week, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues to attack the civilian population and agricultural land, besides demolishing the offices of the international media in airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force in Gaza Strip. News reports say Palestinian death toll by Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen above 200 including 64 children. Also, 1600 people were wounded by the airstrikes in Gaza city. The Israeli authorities also claimed the killing of 10 Israeli including two children.
The recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinians was sparked when the Israeli forces attempted to enter the al-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramazan while Muslims were worshiping. In retaliation, Palestinian fundamentalist group Hamas fired a barrage of rockets into the southern and northern parts of Israel from Gaza. The majority of those rockets were, however, destroyed by the Israeli air defense system "Iron Dome". Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to both sides to stop hostilities.