Iran holds massive anti-"Israel" rally

 
Source: Press.tv, 12-12-2008
Millions of Iranians have held rallies across the country in condemnation of "Israel's" blockade of the Gaza Strip against Palestinians.
Demonstrators chanted "Death to "Israel"" and "Death to America" in the capital Tehran and carried banners, denouncing "Israel's" atrocities in the Gaza Strip run by the democratically-elected Palestinian government of Hamas.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also joined ralliers in Tehran on Friday.
President Ahmadinejad, speaking with reporters, strongly condemned "Israel's" blockade of Gaza, saying Tel Aviv is increasing pressure on Palestinians to hinder their upcoming election.
Incumbent Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas' four-year term expires on January 9. However, it is unclear when the elections will be held.
A recent "Israeli" National Security Council assessment has urged Tel Aviv to hinder "elections in the Palestinian Authority, even at the cost of a confrontation with the US and the international community."
At the end of Friday's rallies, a statement was issued in strong condemnation of international silence on "Israel's" siege of the region as well as the attacks in the West bank city of al-Khalil.
The Gaza Strip is facing a humanitarian crisis as "Israel" has imposed an economic blockade on the coastal area, turning it to an 'open prison' and putting lives of almost 1.5 million residents at stake.
The Islamic movement does not recognize "Israel" as a legitimate state.
Ralliers denounce "Israel's" acts of violence against Palestinians.
The siege has resulted in the shortage of fuel for the strip's only power plant, which could lead to a complete blackout.
The residents are also suffering from the shortage of basic supplies including food and medicine.
Hundreds of right-wing Jewish hardliners have been attacking and hurling rocks at Palestinians and vandalizing their homes in al-Khalil since November.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has urged "Israel" to end Palestinians' suffering.
Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah has also criticized the international community for keeping silent, calling for an end to '"Israel's" crimes' committed against people in the coastal region.