Several thousand people attend Palestine rally in Bern
Published: Saturday, Nov 4th 2023, 14:30
Updated At: Sunday, Nov 5th 2023, 00:54
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Several thousand people gathered on the Bundesplatz in Bern on Saturday for a pro-Palestinian rally. The participants called for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip. The event was authorized by the authorities.
In a call for the rally, the organizers speak of a "ruthless attack by Israel" and a "genocide against the Palestinian population". The Israeli government has cut off the supply of food, water, petrol and electricity and is preventing access to medical care. Communication channels such as the internet have also been cut.
According to the organizers, they condemn the violence that has cost lives on all sides in recent weeks. However, they place the violence in the context of what they see as "75 years of military occupation, ethnic cleansing and a system of apartheid". A system that can only be maintained through financial and military support from the USA and European states.
The Swiss government has also been criticized for announcing the suspension of financial support to Palestinian and Israeli NGOs. These organizations carry out important humanitarian work that is indispensable right now.
Several dozen predominantly smaller organizations and groups, such as Bern for Palestine, which had previously organized rallies in Bern, have called for the demonstration. Supporters of the demonstration also include the Communist Party, the Labor Party and the Migrant Solidarity Network.
The pro-Palestinian side has already held two rallies in Bern. The city of Bern has approved the events. The question of approval is decided on a case-by-case basis, said Reto Nause, Director of Security for the City of Bern. Among other things, the city examines the sender and the desired route, but also the tone with which the rally is called.
©Keystone/SDA
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