ISM Press release:
December 3rd, 2005 | Posted in Press Releases
International Solidarity Movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[1]
Since the first video of the four Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT)
members being held hostage in Iraq was released a few days ago,
Palestinians all over the West Bank and Gaza have been calling for
their release unharmed. The CPT is well known for its work against the
occupations in both Iraq and Palestine. It is probably most well known
in Palestine for its work against the religious-fundamentalist Israeli
settlers in Hebron.
Yesterday in Tuwani, locals held a demonstration calling for the
release of the four. Palestinian women and children held up picture of
the kidnapped peace activists and held up signs in Arabic saying things
such as, "We ask you to release the CPT members. They work in
international solidarity for civil rights." On the 1st of December,
300 Palestinians demonstrated in Ramallah in solidarity with the four.
The demonstration was attended by Abu Hasan Morrar a representative of
the Islamic Council of Palestine, Shawkat Samha the mayor of the town
of Jayyous, Fatima Asi of the Women For Life group in the Salfit region
and Mustafa Barghouti the general secretary of the Palestinian National
Initiative. All called passionately for the hostage's release, as
demonstrators held up signs in Arabic and English describing the four
as their friends. A statement on behalf of the Popular Committees
Against the Wall was read adding to the call. Palestinians and
internationals who know the hostages personally were on the
demonstration which was attended by Palestinians from Bil'in who
spoke and called on the kidnappers to release the hostages. TV stations
like Al- Jazeera and Al-Arabiya broadcasted stories about the
demonstration to viewers in Iraq and around the world. Palestinian
militant groups have also called for the immediate release of the peace
activists. The Al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades released a statement saying
that "these activists are the friends of the martyr Rachel Corrie who
was killed while protecting Palestinian homes in Gaza. We know who
these people are and like us they stand against the apartheid wall and
the Israeli occupation. We call on the kidnappers to release these
people so they can come to Palestine to stand on the side of oppressed
people."
The National and Islamic Forces in Hebron issued a statement signed by
such militant/political groups as Hamas and the DFLP saying that they
"confirm that the CPTers have a very strong role in facing Israeli
crimes and in protecting the life of the Palestinians. They have put
themselves in many situations in front of Israeli tanks. They have
confronted Israeli bulldozers and home demolitions and escorted our
children to and from their schools to protectthem from settlers.
Because of all their activities, members of CPT have been followed,
arrested and beaten by Israeli soldiers and settlers on many
occasions."
Religious leaders have also joined the calls. "We demand that these
aid workers be released immediately," said Mufti Ikrema Sabri,
Palestine's top Muslim clergyman.
"We tell them that these aid workers have stood beside Palestinian
people and it's our duty now to stand beside them."
Mustafa Jayyousi a local Palestinian activist in Jayyous who knew Tom
said, "When he worked in Jayyous, Tom was part of a group who went
down to the gates everyday with local farmers to help them access their
lands made inaccessible by the wall. He also participated in
demonstrations with the people of Jayyous against the apartheid Wall in
Jayyous."
Mohammed Ayyesh a local Palestinian activist in Balata camp, Nablus
said of Harmeet, "I was touch with Harmeet and was looking forward to
him coming here to work next week. We must do everything we can to
secure his release."
For more information and interviews:
* Mohammed Ayyesh: 054 621 8759 or 052 222 3374
* Shawkat Samha (Mayor of Jayyous): 0545 861 306, office : +972 92
900 130
* Mustafa Samha (son of Shawkat): 0599 798 361
Hebron Palestinians coordinating with CPT:
* Hisham Sharabati: 972-599-271-190, 972-522-248-399
* Hamed Quasameh: 972-599-339-180
* Mustafa Barghouthi, Palestinian National Initiative, Ramallah,
Tel: 02-298-5372
* CPT Hebron (Rich Meyer): 054-631-5786
* ISM Media office: 02 297 1824
for pictures look here:Palsoldisrity.org [1]
See our last post [2] on the case.