20-11-2023 (MANILA) Thousands of residents from Basilan converged at Rizal Plaza in Isabela City on Sunday, November 19, to participate in a peace rally condemning the recent air and ground assaults on the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces.
The rally, marked by chants of “Free Palestine,” commenced with a motorcade, capturing the essence of unity and support for Palestine. Lasting from the afternoon into the evening, the event saw demonstrators expressing their concerns over the heightened tensions in the region.
A striking symbol of solidarity was the giant Palestinian flag draped on a bridge in Isabela City, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent call for a Free Palestine amid the challenges posed by Israel’s military actions.
Isabela police estimated that approximately 5,000 protesters took part in the rally. Among the attendees was Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman, along with other local officials, who voiced their condemnation of the plight faced by Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Representative Hataman, during a speech at the House of Representatives, urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s attacks. He highlighted the devastating toll on Palestinian lives, stating that over 11,000 civilians, including more than 4,000 young children, have lost their lives.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has spanned decades, escalated recently after Hamas launched surprise attacks on Israel in October. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, initiating airstrikes in retaliation. The Basilan peace rally stands as a testament to the international concern and calls for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the Middle East.
