Palestinians protest Israeli offensive

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-03-2006 07:50

Thousands of Palestinians have demonstrated in Gaza City. They're protesting against an Israeli military operation that has been active in northern Gaza since Wednesday night. Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, has blamed the United States for backing Israeli forces in their latest move.

The protesters marched through the main streets of Gaza, and towards the Palestinian legislative council building.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh made an appearance, addressing the crowds in the demonstration. He put the blame squarely on the United States for backing Israeli operations in northern Gaza.

Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister said, “The American administration considers what's going on today in Gaza and Beit Hanoun as self defense and says Israel has the right to do anything to defend itself. But when Palestinian people stand up to defend themselves, to defend their women, children and mosques, they call it terrorism. What we consider real terrorism is the occupation.”

Israeli troops attacked Beit Hanoun on Wednesday because it was purportedly a major rocket-launching site. Reports suggest that as many as 800 rockets have been fired from the town, and into southern Israel since the beginning of the year.

Since the latest raid on Beit Hanoun, Israeli forces have killed twelve Palestinians, including at least nine militants.

 

Editor:Sun Luying