More than 80 groups, associations, and social organisations in Alicante and the surrounding areas have called for a rally in support of the Palestinian people on Saturday, October 4th. The march will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the steps of Jorge Juan and end at Town Hall Square. Under the slogans “Palestine, resisting colonialism, genocide, apartheid, and occupation” and “Two years of genocide in Palestine, for an end to the arms trade and relations with Israel,” the organisers hope to demonstrate solidarity and demand changes in international and Spanish policy towards the conflict.
The call is part of a nationwide mobilisation organised by the Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP), which will take place in over 70 locations this year. In Alicante, organisers report a significant increase in participation over the previous year, with over 80 organisations taking part, including neighbourhood groups, cultural associations, unions, environmental platforms, feminist groups, and political organisations.
Two years
In the manifesto read at the event, the groups plan to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the “genocide” in Gaza. They claim that Israel has demolished almost 92% of the Strip’s homes, as well as hospitals, libraries, universities, markets, and agricultural areas. They further emphasise that the West Bank is subjected to daily attacks by the Israeli army and armed settlers, as well as mobility restrictions, home demolitions, petty arrests, and breaches of prisoners’ rights.
The statement emphasises that international social pressure has hindered the control of public opinion and compelled certain governments to take action. However, the groups believe the measures adopted thus far are insufficient. They specifically criticise the royal decree bill passed by Congress in September, emphasising that it “is not an arms embargo on Israel, but rather a vague, incomplete measure full of exceptions.”
The protest’s main demands include an end to the arms trade and military and security technology with Israel and its affiliates; the establishment of a humanitarian corridor mandated by the United Nations to ensure the passage of food, medicine, and aid; the termination of diplomatic, institutional, economic, sports, and cultural relations; and the Spanish government’s support for international lawsuits against Israeli leaders for war crimes.
Solidarity
The manifesto also demands for an end to the criminalisation of Palestinian solidarity, the repeal of the Gag Law, and the dissolution of Alicante’s twinning partnership with the Israeli town of Herzliya, which they describe as “another disgrace” for the City Council.
The event will end with a public reading of the manifesto and a variety of cultural and creative performances. The Muixeranga d’Alacant, the Dances del Món ensemble, The Nest Swing, and Alba Asenci will all take part, singing the song “I Have a Song in the Heart.”
The organisations that signed the petition note that “every action, every boycott, and every gesture of solidarity contributes to strengthening a movement that seeks to spread to neighbourhoods, workplaces, and different spheres of social life.” Finally, they state that their goal “is to maintain the pressure and continue gathering support until all of Palestine is free.”
Author: Derek Appleton
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