Protests continue as PA bans demonstrations
Adam Hanieh
RAMALLAH — More than 50 people gathered outside the US consulate in East Jerusalem on February 16 to protest against US policy on Iraq.
The demonstration, which united Palestinians and Israelis, was the third in two weeks. Signs in English, Hebrew and Arabic condemned the US presence in the gulf and pointed out the hypocrisy towards Israeli biological and nuclear weapons.
The demonstration was organised by the Hebron Solidarity Committee in conjunction with Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. A committee against the war was formed following the action.
Actions in the West Bank have also continued, with a 500-strong demonstration in Bethlehem on February 11.
Following Israeli and US pressure, the Palestinian Authority has forbidden demonstrations against US policy in the Gulf. The PA civilian chief police officer, Ghazi Jabali, issued an order preventing all demonstrations or protests because of the possibility of violent confrontation. The order states that flag burning is inflammatory and leads to tension in the region.
On February 16, the PA illegally closed a Bethlehem TV station following its coverage of anti-war activities.