Palestine

Hundreds gathered yesterday in central Ramallah to protest against the PLO’s failure to approve the Goldstone Report into Gaza. Activists from a range of political backgrounds united in condemnation of a decision which senior politicians have described as a “grave mistake”.

The march began around 11am with protestors waving banners and chanting in support of the report. Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration there was widespread anger at the PLO, who many felt have let them down with this decision. Saleh, a long time resident of Ramallah wanted to know why such a favourable report has not been officially adopted. “Why are the Palestinian authorities not supporting the Palestinians? We need to find who has taken this order and banish them from the process”.

One of the protest organisers, who wished to remain anonymous, said the aim of the demonstration was to “support the Goldstone Report and to condemn the authority’s position. It’s not acceptable at all. They are denying the rights of all our people. For the first time there is a report able to accuse Israel of criminal acts and try them in international courts. Anyone behind the postponement should resign, even if it is the top authority. All over the West bank there is anger, they are working against the wishes of their people”.

The report, which holds the Israel Army accountable for war crimes in Gaza, has been a source of great encouragement for Palestinians. Never before has an official report been so scathing of Israeli policy, raising the prospect of international sanctions and criminal prosecutions. It was widely expected that the report would be put before the Security Council, but late in the day the Palestinian delegation dropped their demand for an immediate vote. “All Palestinian people support the report unless they are silly or agents”, claims Abu Samara, who supports the Palestine National Initiative. “Goldstone is Jewish and from South Africa so he is clearly acting as a neutral human being. It is a technical, official report so why should we negate him?”

The left wing DFLP party were also out in force, chanting loudly against the decision. “There should be an investigation and measures should be introduced to stop this happening in future,” said an anonymous party member. “This will stay in people’s minds for the January elections. This decision serves only the interests of Israel and the USA”.

Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative described the postponement as a “grave mistake, which shows weakness of leadership and the need for a unified decision making body. Now there must be an emergency meeting to approve the Goldstone Report and we need the PLO to call on the UN for sanctions”. He went on to commend all activists in the “largest demonstration since the war in Gaza. It means the people are boiling and want to express themselves, which is how we will achieve democracy in Palestine. This postponement is a disappointment to me and the vast majority of Palestinians. It is counterproductive for the peace process as it will make Israel feel they are above international law. We must have an independent investigation committee immediately.”