BY GRAHAM MATTHEWS
MELBOURNE — In a demonstration aimed at "breaking the silence" over Israel's murderous aggression against the Palestinian people, more than 1000 Palestinians and their supporters massed on the steps of Victoria's parliament on April 5.
Called at very short notice, the demonstration was organised by Palestinian community organisations and supported by the Australian Arabic Council.
The rally chairperson, Palestinian activist Taimor Hazou, called on the Australian government, including Victorian ALP premier Steve Bracks, to break its silence on the Israeli government's atrocities and speak out in favour of the Palestinian people's rights.
Hazou demanded the withdrawal of Israel's troops from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the formation of an international peace-keeping force to defend the Palestinian people. Other speakers called for a Palestinian state on the occupied territories, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
A further demonstration has been planned for May 11. Other demonstrations will also be organised before that. A protest on April 19, to be part of the Asia-Pacific region day of action in solidarity with the Palestinian people, is being discussed.
From Green Left Weekly, April 10, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.