Source: Daily Star, 13-7-2006
BEIRUT: Activists in Beirut launched a week-long protest at Martyrs Square Wednesday in solidarity with the people of Palestine, hours after "Israeli" forces entered South Lebanon. More than 100 people gathered to express solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who in recent weeks have experienced an unprecedented "Israeli" military assault.
"We condemn the barbaric acts of the "Israeli" Army and we see it as our duty in Lebanon to protest in support of the Palestinian people," said Atallah Salim, spokesperson for the protest, which was organized by a coalition of Palestinian and Lebanese organizations and parties.
"Beirut is one of the major Arab cities, which has seriously experienced the brutality of the "Israeli" Army so we understand today what Palestinians in Gaza are facing."
Flyers depicting current conditions facing Palestinians under occupation in Gaza were distributed to passersby, many of whom stopped to show their support for the action.
"I was passing by and was so happy to see a group of people on the streets in support of the Palestinians," said Rouba Wehbi. "Given the governments in the Arab world are doing nothing to support the Palestinians, it will take the actions of common people to make any change."
"Many Lebanese are still imprisoned by the "Israelis", which is another reason for us to demonstrate against "Israel"," said Hiba Awar, a student from AUB.
"I feel that it is important for the people in Palestine to see that people in Beirut are supporting their cause," said Palestinian activist Rabih Salah, who was involved in planning the sit-in.