Global anti-Israel protests staged as fears of Gaza ground invasion escalate



Israel-Gaza strikes
A Palestinian looks from his damaged house at the destroyed office building of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh after Israeli air strikes in Gaza City November 17, 2012 (Reuters / Suhaib Salem) Today: 09:38 41 comments
Israel hits Hamas HQ in Gaza (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Israel has bombed Hamas’ headquarters in Gaza, as Operation Pillar of Defense enters its fourth day, the IDF reported. Overnight Israel’s military targeted 85 more sites in the area.
Israel-Gaza strikes
Israeli soldiers (Reuters / Jim Hollander) Today: 01:54 55 comments
Israel approves 75,000 troops for possible Gaza ground operation

The Israeli Cabinet has authorized the call-up of 75,000 reserve troops as the air assault against Gaza intensifies, and amid growing speculation a ground invasion is imminent.
Israel-Gaza strikes
A picture taken from the southern Israeli Gaza border shows smoke billowing from a spot targeted by an Israeli air strike inside the Gaza strip on November 16, 2012 (AFP Photo / Jack Guez) 16.11, 20:31 70 comments
Long-term peace was within reach before Israeli attack

Israel has chosen to attack Gaza in order to avoid reaching a longer-term peace settlement that was being negotiated with the help of Hamas’ military leader Ahmen Jabari, who was assassinated in an Israeli attack Wednesday, says Israeli activist.
Israel-Gaza strikes
Palestinian Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya (R) receives Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil in Gaza City, on November 16, 2012 (AFP Photo / Mahmud Hams) 16.11, 11:47 25 comments
Egyptian PM visits Gaza, sides reportedly exchange strikes despite promised ceasefire (GRAPHIC PHOTO)

Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil arrived in Gaza to show support to the Palestinian people after a two-day Israeli attack on the area. Reportedly, despite the implemented ceasefire during the PM’s trip, rocket fire was exchanged by both sides.
Israel-Gaza strikes
Global anti-Israel protests staged as fears of Gaza ground invasion escalate (PHOTOS)
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Published: 17 November, 2012, 13:31

TAGS:
Conflict, EU, UK, Protest, USA, Israel, War, Egypt, Air Force

TRENDS:
Israel-Gaza strikes
People hold signs as they chant during a Pro-Palestinian protest against Israel across the street from the Israeli consulate in New York Novemer 16, 2012 (Reuters / Carlo Allegri)

People hold signs as they chant during a Pro-Palestinian protest against Israel across the street from the Israeli consulate in New York Novemer 16, 2012 (Reuters / Carlo Allegri)

Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have sparked global protests condemning the attack. Thousands of people across the Middle East, the West, and Europe have come out to show their disdain. Yet, some countries remain convinced of Israel’s right to attack.

Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have sparked global protests condemning the attack. Thousands of people across the Middle East, the West, and Europe have come out to show their disdain. Yet, some countries remain convinced of Israel’s right to attack.

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense – which began Wednesday and has taken the lives of 39 Palestinians and three Israelis so far, according to Palestinian local media – has divided the international world.

In Egypt’s capital, Cairo, several thousand protesters came out Friday to demonstrate against the Israeli attacks, chanting “we will go to Gaza in our millions,” swearing to “sacrifice ourselves for you, Palestine.”

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, more than 1,000 people have gathered to show their support for Gaza.

In Lebanon, thousands turned up in Palestinian refugee camps in the north and south of the country to show their outrage on the Israeli violence, shouting “O Qassam, O beloved, bomb and destroy Tel Aviv,” referring to the rocket and the armed wing of Hamas of the same name.
Egyptian protesters shout slogans and burn an Israeli flag during a protest against Israel′s ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, at Tahrir square in Cairo November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Mohamed Abd El Ghany)
Egyptian protesters shout slogans and burn an Israeli flag during a protest against Israel's ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, at Tahrir square in Cairo November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Mohamed Abd El Ghany)

In Iran, over 700 cities saw anti-Israeli protests after Friday’s prayers, including Tehran. Crowds there were chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America,” ISNA news agency reported.

Arabs from East Jerusalem also rioted, throwing stones at security officers, blocking roads and setting off fireworks near the hospital in Isawiya, according to Algemeiner news.

The international community has been coming together to offer solutions to the crisis.

Foreign ministers of Arab League countries are gathering on Saturday in Cairo for an emergency meeting to outline a consolidated position on the ongoing Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The UN’s Security Council held an emergency meeting on the conflict. After the meeting UN has urged for the violence in Gaza to stop. However, no other substantial solutions were reached due to disagreement between member states.

Further, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made a statement Friday telling both sides “to stop this dangerous escalation and restore calm,” and announcing his plans to visit Israel and Egypt next week.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on Israelis and Palestinians to show restraint Friday and “not follow the path of escalating violence that often results in the death of innocent civilians.”

Also, Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem has arrived in Gaza on Saturday along with 12 other ministers. This trip comes after the Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil’s visit to the region Friday.

During his visit, Kandil tried to broker a new longer-lasting ceasefire. He took a strong public pro-Palestinian stance.

“What I am witnessing in Gaza is a disaster and I can't keep quiet. The Israeli aggression must stop,” Kandil stated. “Egypt supports the Palestinians, Israel’s actions will not go unnoticed”.
Protesters shout anti-Israel slogans during a protest against Israel′s military operation in Gaza in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Osman Orsal)
Protesters shout anti-Israel slogans during a protest against Israel's military operation in Gaza in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, November 16, 2012 (Reuters / Osman Orsal)
Western perspective: Pro-Palestinian public vs pro-Israeli governments

The Western world also saw protests Friday. In Rome, an anti-Israeli sit-in was organized in the Italian parliament. Organizers have called upon the international community to put an end to the massacre of Palestinian people in Gaza and to stop the “Israeli war-machine”. The cities of Venice, Palermo, Ravenna and Trento have joined Rome and carried out demonstrations of their own.

Earlier demonstrations were held in New York, Paris, and Sydney calling for an immediate end to the attacks on Palestinians.
A woman holds a banner as she attends a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Italian Parliament to protest against Israel′s ongoing airstrike over Gaza on November 16, 2012 (AFP Photo / Filippo Monteforte)
A woman holds a banner as she attends a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Italian Parliament to protest against Israel's ongoing airstrike over Gaza on November 16, 2012 (AFP Photo / Filippo Monteforte)

However, Western governments have not been as sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian people as their citizens, emphasizing Hamas’ fault and Israel’s right to self-defense.

US President Barack Obama has reiterated US support for Israel's right to defend itself on Friday during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The EU has followed in US’ footsteps. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton made a statement Friday saying that "Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks. I urge Israel to ensure that its response is proportionate."

And Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced Friday that she holds Hamas responsible for Gaza violence and that Israel has the right to defend itself. The UK took a similar position when Prime Minister David Cameron told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas "bears the principal responsibility" for the violence in southern Israel and Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza are entering their fourth day and further escalation of the conflict is feared, as ground Israeli invasion looms. Senior members of the Israeli military have announced that troops have been ordered to prepare “to the highest state of readiness” and are to expect to invade Gaza this weekend. Also, on Friday country’s cabinet has approved the draft of 75,000 army reservists for ground operation.

So far, Israel has hit over 500 targets, killing 39 Palestinians, including dozens of civilians and wounding over 300.

WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD

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I have a good example:

In 1982, Sun Myung Moon, the founder and leader of the Unification Church, was imprisoned in the United States after being found guilty by a jury of willfully filing false Federal income tax returns and conspiracy.

Non-profit and church or religious group holdings

While the wealth of Sun Myung Moon is often mentioned, and is said to be in the multiple billions, non-profit church groups and religious corporations are known to have extensive landholdings both in Korea and extremely large investments in securities and land abroad.

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Protests and clashes across Egypt as 'Pharaoh' Morsi seizes new powers (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Police fired tear gas at protesters as supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi clashed in Cairo. Over 100 people were reportedly injured as sporadic clashes continued into the night, while protesters organized a sit-in on Tahrir Square.
Arab world protests
Mohamed Morsi addresses his supporters in front of the presidential palace in Cairo on November 23, 2012 (AFP Photo / Str) 23.11, 23:14 3 comments
'Gaza ceasefire gave Morsi green light for drastic action'

A day after Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he widely expanded his own powers. It’s been met with both approval and anger, with accusations that he cares only about his followers, not all Egyptians.
Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo. (AFP Photo / Khaled Desouki) 23.11, 02:40 22 comments
Egypt's Constitutional Court looking to impeach Morsi - reports

Egypt's Constitutional Court is reportedly considering the possibility of impeaching President Mohamed Morsi for violating his oath and undermining the country's constitutional foundations.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (AFP Photo) 22.11, 20:16 45 comments
Morsi declares expanded powers, bans breakup of assembly penning constitution

The Egyptian president has issued a constitutional declaration protecting Egypt's constitution-drafting assembly from dissolution, and replacing the prosecutor general. It also rules that none of the executive's decisions can be overturned.
Palestinians celebrate in the street of Gaza City on November 21, 2012 as a ceasefire came into effect. (AFP Photo / Mahmud Hams) 21.11, 21:10 111 comments
Egypt-brokered Hamas-Israel ceasefire comes into effect

Following eight days of intense shelling that left over 150 people killed, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come into effect. The truce was announced by Egypt's foreign minister and confirmed by both Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Israel-Gaza strikes
Top judges, opposition protest Morsi’s power-extending decree
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Published: 24 November, 2012, 17:52
Edited: 24 November, 2012, 21:33

TAGS:
Conflict, Protest, Politics, Opposition, Egypt, Court, Clashes, Violence
Protesters demonstrating against Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi run from tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police during clashes in Cairo's landmark Tahrir square on November 23, 2012.(AFP Photo / Ahmed Mahmoud)

Protesters demonstrating against Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi run from tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police during clashes in Cairo's landmark Tahrir square on November 23, 2012.(AFP Photo / Ahmed Mahmoud)

Egypt’s top judges have called President Mohammad Morsi’s power-extending decree an “unprecedented attack.” Opposition protesters have organized rallies against the measure a day after clashes throughout the country injured over 200 people.

In a press conference on Saturday, Egypt's Judges Club called for peaceful demonstrations against the decree.

The primary court in Alexandria, along with the judges club there, announced that they and public prosecutors have suspended all work until the declaration is withdrawn, state news agency MENA reports.

The Supreme Judicial Council called on Morsi to "distance this decree from everything that violates the judicial authority," Mena state news agency reported. The Council also urged Morsi to reverse the declaration, calling it an “unprecedented attack on the independence of the judiciary and its rulings.”

Protesters rallied against the move over the past two days, prompting two of Morsi’s presidential aides and his Coptic Christian assistant to resign.

The demonstrations were in response to Morsi’s declaration, which was issued on Thursday. The decree protects Egypt’s constitution-drafting assembly from being dissolved, and rules that none of the leader’s decisions can be overturned.

Tens of thousands of Morsi opponents and supporters turned out in several Egyptian cities on Friday. Over 100 people were reportedly injured in clashes.
Protesters gather at Tahrir square in Cairo November 23, 2012.(Reuters / Mohamed Abd El Ghany)
Protesters gather at Tahrir square in Cairo November 23, 2012.(Reuters / Mohamed Abd El Ghany)

Demonstrators vowed to continue the protest until Morsi's declaration is reversed and the constituent assembly is dissolved. The Strong Egypt Party, headed by former Muslim Brotherhood leader Abdel-Moneim Aboul-Fotouh, called for a march later on Saturday.

According to a statement released by the party, a march is scheduled to leave from Cairo University at 4:00pm local time and head toward Tahrir Square, Ahram Online reported.

The statement explained the party’s refusal of several articles of Morsi's declaration, including how presidential decisions were shielded from judicial challenges and how the Constituent Assembly and Shura Council could not be dissolved.

A mass protest has already been planned for Tuesday by the Popular Current, which is led by former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabbahi.

The Muslim Brotherhood has also called for a protest on Tuesday, in a show of support for President Morsi's decisions.

“The Muslim brotherhood has answered this by rallying their members together to counteract that by making a pro-president rally. So, what they are really doing is countering every move the opposition makes,” Cairo-based journalist Bel Trew told RT.

Meanwhile, a weeklong sit-in is currently underway in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, as demonstrators protest against a leader who they is no different than former President Hosni Mubarak, who was overthrown last year.
People from different opposition groups sit in front of their tents during a sit-in at Tahrir square to protest a decree issued by President Mohamed Mursi in Cairo November 24, 2012.(Reuters / Asmaa Waguih)
People from different opposition groups sit in front of their tents during a sit-in at Tahrir square to protest a decree issued by President Mohamed Mursi in Cairo November 24, 2012.(Reuters / Asmaa Waguih)

Police and security forces reportedly tried to break up the protest with tear gas on several occasions throughout the night.

Morsi’s move has left the country divided on whether he had the legal power to issue his decree.

Muslim Brotherhood supporters stood by Morsi on Friday, rallying outside the presidential palace in Cairo.

They were met by angry anti-Morsi protesters, who demonstrated against what they deemed a coup and demanded the president resign.

Many of those currently demonstrating against the leader used to be Morsi supporters.

"I am not happy with actions of the Muslim Brotherhood and of Morsi…I am one of the people who voted for Morsi, but I am disappointed in him,” protester Ahmed Moamen told AP.

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