PNGO Statement Against Security Force Violence

November 28, 2007

PNGO views the attacks by security forces on a peaceful demonstration held on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in Al Manara, downtown Ramallah, and throughout the West Bank, as a dangerous challenge to Palestinian democracy. The intention of this demonstration was to raise a collective voice against the Israeli occupation and to express their concern to the parties meeting at Annapolis. It called for: “no starvation, no siege, no killing, no assassination, no barriers, and no wall.” We cannot abdicate these principles and they should be supported by all Palestinian groups.

PNGO strongly condemns the security forces that attacked the participants, beating them with batons and firing live ammunition, which led to the death of one participant and the injury of several others, including journalists.

PNGO also condemns the arresting and detaining of participants.

PNGO sees this attack by security forces on participants as an attack on freedom and democracy and the right to express political views in peaceful ways.

PNGO believes at this time Palestinians need to have unity to face the strategies of the Israeli occupation which aim to finalize the Palestinian question in its favor, without regard for the rights of the Palestinian people and in defiance of international law. The divisions orchestrated by the Israeli forces have created geographic division and left the internal and external control in Israeli hands. Every day, this situation lessens the possibility of a viable independent, autonomous state with Jerusalem as its capital. Therefore we need unity in opposition to these processes.

PNGO harshly condemns this attack and these actions and asks for the release of the detainees immediately.

PNGO calls on the international community to share in efforts to pressure the Israeli government to abide by the international law and halt its actions and atrocities against the Palestinian people.