Cope: Stop assault on Gaza

2009-01-02 12:09

Johannesburg - The Israeli government's recent actions in the Palestinian territory of Gaza had to be halted, the Congress of the People said in a statement on Friday.

"There can be no justification for the wanton killing of civilians in particular women and children who are the worst affected by Israel's military escalation."

Cope said such actions could only deepen the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine.

"We join the international call for Israel to immediately stop its assault on Gaza and the collective punishment of people of that territory.

"We also call for an end to all attacks on innocent people in Israel."

Meanwhile, the Palestine Solidarity Committee said it would hold a protest on Friday outside the United States consulate in Killarney against "these savage Israeli attacks".

The demonstration would also protest against the US's supply of military hardware to Israel.

Speakers would include the general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Eddie Makue, and the international relations officer of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, Bongani Masuku.

Protesters would also be throwing their shoes at portraits of George W Bush and Ehud Olmert, the Committee said.

- SAPA