School children, artists, human rights activists, intellectuals, journalists and members of the political class gathered at Jantar Mantar here on Saturday to express anger against the continued Israeli military operation in Gaza. The demonstrators demanded that the international community, including India, “boycott Israel till the time it continues the illegal occupation of Palestine”.
“Israel is using the money being earned by arms sale to India in its attack against Palestine. India needs to suspend all kind of arms purchase. The world community should also isolate Israel by suspending purchase of goods produced by the Israeli companies,” said Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury.
He was speaking at the protest organised by 70 political and social groups on the theme -- “Stop The Genocide in Gaza! Boycott Israel!” The protest included poems recited by school children, protest statements by social and civil society members, songs and theatrical performances highlighting the loss of innocent lives and the general plight of civilians in Palestine, especially the children.
The protesters adopted a resolution to observe the day as a “Day of Rage”. Apart from holding an exhibition of banners, the organisers also put up a ‘photo booth’ where members of the audience got their photographs clicked against the backdrop of an ‘In Solidarity With Gaza’ banner. The photographs would be circulated as a campaign on the social media and video sharing platforms online.
Coinciding with the Quit India Movement Day, the protesters repeatedly quoted Mahatma Gandhi who had spoken in favour of the Palestinians. Communist Party of India MP D. Raja criticised the “neutrality” approach of India towards the humanitarian crisis.
“India should take a clear-cut stand in favour of Palestine. Neutrality means support for Israel. Today (August 9) is the Quit India Movement Day when Mahatma Gandhi called the British to leave India. Today we have gathered here to let the message going from the National Capital that Israel must quit Palestinian land.”
Stating that the suffering of the Palestinians has stirred the conscience of the world community, noted social activist Harsh Mander said: “I hope a day comes when Israel learns to live in peace with Palestine. The Government of Israel must be isolated by the world community, the way the international community did with South Africa.”
