Palestinians determined to continue demonstrations

By Esat Firat

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Palestinians were determined to continue demonstrations Saturday despite deadly attacks by Israeli forces on peaceful demonstrators that began a day earlier to mark Land Day.

At least 15 Gazans were martyred and hundreds injured when Israeli forces opened fire on the annual Palestinian commemoration of the deaths of six Arab Israeli citizens killed by Israeli forces in 1976, during demonstrations against government land confiscations in northern Israel.

An additional 49 Palestinians were injured Saturday by Israeli gunfire as Palestinians gathered near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip as part of protests to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Wheelchair bound Ayman Zakkut told Anadolu Agency he would continue to demonstrate.

“We will continue to be at the border. We want to deliver the message to the world that we want to return to our land as right-holders from which we were deported by Zionist gangs,” he said.

The 44-year-old’s determination to continue to participate in the demonstrations despite his condition comes from a desire to make the voices of Palestinians heard.

"Nothing can stop us from taking our rights. These demonstrations will show the whole world that we are people who are persecuted and occupied,” he said.

Basma Barud joined the demonstrations to send a message to Israel that regardless of how long it will take, Palestinians will return to their land.

Barud said the protest were peaceful but Israeli soldiers targeted Palestinians with weapons.

Israeli forces will not prevent the determination of Palestinians to protest, according to Alaa Davas.

"Despite Israel’s insolence we will continue to demonstrate until we spread the message to the whole world that the Palestinian issue is not for sale and until we get back our rights," she told Anadolu Agency.

The rallies were the beginning of a six-week protest that culminates May 15 -- the day Palestinians call Nakba, or Catastrophe, when Israel was founded.

Demonstrators are demanding Palestinian refugees be allowed the right of return to towns and villages their families fled, or were driven out of, when the Israel was created in 1948.