Britons to escort Palestinian students past Isreali tanks
Andrew Wood | 28.12.2001 20:34
Britons will confront Israeli tanks and soldiers who carry rifles, tear gas and rubber bullets at the University of Bir Zeit, near Ramallah in the West Bank. The Britons, part of about 300 foreign nationals [1] will try to escort 50 Palestinian students into the University past the tanks. Tear gas and warning shots have previously have been fired by soldiers at demonstrations on the checkpoint to stop people going into the University.
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
For immediate release Friday 28 December 2001
PRESS RELEASE- ADVANCED NOTICE
Britons confront Israeli tanks, teargas and rubber bullets in demonstration Saturday 29 December
On the morning of Saturday 29 December 2001 [about 7.30 am GMT], fifty Britons will confront Israeli tanks and soldiers who carry rifles, tear gas and rubber bullets at the University of Bir Zeit, near Ramallah in the West Bank. The Britons, part of about 300 foreign nationals [1] will try to escort 50 Palestinian students into the University past the tanks. Tear gas and warning shots have previously have been fired by soldiers at demonstrations on the checkpoint to stop people going into the University [2].
Palestinian students and teachers have been prevented from attending the University as the soldiers will not allow them to cross the checkpoint outside the University. The Britons have undertaken non-violence training and intend to actively intervene in escorting the students into the University.
Kathryn Tulip, a resident of Oxford amongst the Britons said
“We’re here to support the Palestinian students in exercising their right to an education. The Israeli occupation is denying the Palestinian people their human rights. We hope our presence as foreign nationals will make a difference and prevent violence”
ENDS
CONTACT: Media liaison in Israel (mobile): 00 972 567 046 39
or 07966 461 005,
Media Liaison in UK, Andrew Wood: 07973 953 446
Editors Notes
The International Solidarity Movement calls on Israel to implement UN resolutions and abide by international law.
[1] About 50 Britons, 200 Italians and 150 French are expected to take part in the demonstration. The Britons include residents of London, Oxford, Bristol and Manchester. They have been undertaking non-violent action in the Occupied Territories for the past 10 days and will return home early new year. They have removed army roadblocks, sat in front of tanks and met with Yasser Arafat. They’ve been forcefully removed by Israeli soldiers and at times warning shots have been fired. At one point Israeli settlers attacked them. One of them has received hospital treatment for injuries.
[2] On Thursday 27 December a march of 1000 people from Ramallah ended with 300 people confronting the tanks at the checkpoint. Tear gas and warning shots were fired. There were tear gas injuries and two people were taken to hospital. It was supposedly the first day of a new term.
For immediate release Friday 28 December 2001
PRESS RELEASE- ADVANCED NOTICE
Britons confront Israeli tanks, teargas and rubber bullets in demonstration Saturday 29 December
On the morning of Saturday 29 December 2001 [about 7.30 am GMT], fifty Britons will confront Israeli tanks and soldiers who carry rifles, tear gas and rubber bullets at the University of Bir Zeit, near Ramallah in the West Bank. The Britons, part of about 300 foreign nationals [1] will try to escort 50 Palestinian students into the University past the tanks. Tear gas and warning shots have previously have been fired by soldiers at demonstrations on the checkpoint to stop people going into the University [2].
Palestinian students and teachers have been prevented from attending the University as the soldiers will not allow them to cross the checkpoint outside the University. The Britons have undertaken non-violence training and intend to actively intervene in escorting the students into the University.
Kathryn Tulip, a resident of Oxford amongst the Britons said
“We’re here to support the Palestinian students in exercising their right to an education. The Israeli occupation is denying the Palestinian people their human rights. We hope our presence as foreign nationals will make a difference and prevent violence”
ENDS
CONTACT: Media liaison in Israel (mobile): 00 972 567 046 39
or 07966 461 005,
Media Liaison in UK, Andrew Wood: 07973 953 446
Editors Notes
The International Solidarity Movement calls on Israel to implement UN resolutions and abide by international law.
[1] About 50 Britons, 200 Italians and 150 French are expected to take part in the demonstration. The Britons include residents of London, Oxford, Bristol and Manchester. They have been undertaking non-violent action in the Occupied Territories for the past 10 days and will return home early new year. They have removed army roadblocks, sat in front of tanks and met with Yasser Arafat. They’ve been forcefully removed by Israeli soldiers and at times warning shots have been fired. At one point Israeli settlers attacked them. One of them has received hospital treatment for injuries.
[2] On Thursday 27 December a march of 1000 people from Ramallah ended with 300 people confronting the tanks at the checkpoint. Tear gas and warning shots were fired. There were tear gas injuries and two people were taken to hospital. It was supposedly the first day of a new term.
Andrew Wood
e-mail:
co101anw@gold.ac.uk
Homepage:
www.palestinecampaign.org
