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Photo: AFP
Children rally near Netzarim
Photo: AFP

Palestinian kids mark 5 years of Intifada

Hundrends of children carrying black banners of Islamic Jihad and wearing white t-shirts mark five years since the start of the al Aqsa Intifada, in a rally near the evacuated settlement of Netzarim in Gaza

Hundreds Palestinian children marched Friday to mark five years since the start of the al Aqsa Intifada, but in a break with custom the youngsters and their adult minders only waved flags, not guns.

 

The rally, organized by Islamic Jihad in memory of Gaza children killed in the fighting, was held a day after Palestinian police began enforcing a ban on displaying weapons in public.

 

In the past, large groups of gunmen had routinely led rallies of militant groups, and children participating would sometimes be given toy guns or be dressed in military fatigues.

 

About 300 children waved the black banners of Islamic Jihad and wore white T-shirts with the inscription, "Our martyrs are candles that won't go out."

 

A song mentioning some of those killed by name was played over loudspeakers.

 

Al Dura's mother optimistic

 

The rally was held near the evacuated settlement of Netzarim in central Gaza, where 12-year old Mohammed al Dura was killed exactly five years ago in crossfire between Palestinians and IDF soldiers.

 

Al Dura's death was caught on camera and became a symbol across the Arab world for the uprising.

 

In an attempt to control the display of guns in Gaza after Israel's pullout in mid-September, the Palestinian Authority and other factions have agreed to end military parades, but the groups said they won't give up their arms.

 

Militant groups celebrated in the days following the pullout in rallies with large display of weapons. However, an explosion at a Hamas parade last week killed 21 Palestinians, including children.

 

The PA said the explosion was caused by mishandling of weapons in the rally organized by Hamas. Hamas blamed Israel and launched a barrage of rockets into southern Israel, touching off an Israeli offensive.

 

At the rally, al Dura's mother Amal, said she hoped for a better future for her 3-year old son, named after Mohammed.

 

"The children now will live in freedom after the Israeli pullout," She said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.01.05, 08:08
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