Sarsak Supporters march on the UN in Gaza

Sarsak Supporters march on the UN in Gaza

by Julie Webb-Pullman
Translation of speeches by Ibraheem Ghunaim

On Monday, hundreds of Gazans gathered outside the International Committee of the Red Cross before marching to the United Nations Headquarters in Gaza City, to protest at the ongoing detention of Mahmoud Sarsak, now in his 78th day of an open-ended hunger-strike at being held as an unlawful combatant, and Akram Alrikhawi, also still on hunger strike, both of whom are in a life-threatening condition.

The Higher Prisoners Committee of National and Islamic Parties handed a memorandum to the United Nations, and held a press conference outside.

A group of children also handed a letter to the United Nations, demanding the release of the prisoners.

The Press Conference was addressed by Baha’a El-Madhoun, Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, and Ibraheem Aaliaan, a prisoner exiled to the Gaza strip in the Gilad Shalit swap.

Baha’a El-Madhoun told the crowd, “Israel did not implement the agreement and still practises inhumane arrogance against out brave prisoners.”

“We stand today to send our message to the UN, to the Red Cross, and to all international organisations and FIFA which sponsors sport. We call upon you all to speak your mind without discrimination in rights and duties, because the Israeli state is not above the law and humanity,” he continued.

“We also stand here to deliver our voices to Mahmoud and Akram, and we support you even if the strike stops. We will not leave you until you achieve all your demands, and we see Sarsak among us.”

Ibraheem Aaliaan told those assembled that they have gathered before the Palestinian people and before the UN headquarters to support the prisoners Sarsak and Rikhawi in their hunger-strike battle.

“Your battle is our battle, and your demands are our demands,” he said. “Blood will defeat the sword in this battle. We call upon all parties to take urgent action internationally and locally to save our prisoners. We need them to be alive and to be among us. We put the responsibility for the lives of our prisoners on the Israeli government.”

I spoke with Nasser Al-Far, member of the Higher Prisoners Committee of National and Islamic Parties, after the Press Conference.

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