"Nakba Day" in Lebanon
Photo: EPA
IDF soldiersf fix security fence near Syria
Photo: Avihu Shapiro
Report: Lebanese 'Naksa Day' march postponed
Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper, Palestinians sources claim planed march on Israel's border canceled due to US pressure
Lebanon's
al-Akhbar newspaper reported Friday that the committee organizing the "Naksa Day"
march on Israel's border has decided to postpone it following pressure by Washington on Beirut.
One of the newspaper's sources said the similar marches planned in Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Gaza and the West Bank, may also be cancelled.
'Naksa Day'
Roee Nahmias
Border area declared closed military zone ahead of 'Naksa Day', which may emulate recent 'Nakba Day'
According to the report the final decision to delay the "Naksa Day" events was made Thursday night. An Islamic Jihad Movement official in Lebanon conveyed similar messages, announcing that "after the Palestinian forces learned about the current situation in Lebanon we're leaning towards cancelling the marches planned for Sunday along the borderline with Palestine."
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
"The organizers are expected to make an official announcement in the next few hours, clarifying the reasons for the cancelation and deciding upon alternative steps they might take to ensure the marches and parades take place in all of the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon," said the Islamic Jihad official.
The al-Akhbar report claimed the main reason behind the delay is due to pressure on Beirut put on by the US embassy via Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL forces talked with the Lebanese army in an attempt to prevent this provocative initiative.
According to the report, the committee organizing the "Naksa Day" march stressed they have no intention to create a crisis within the borders of Lebanon. They have made it clear that holding the march is a "sacred value" but that the timing is given to change.
"If we won't be able to head towards the border on Jun 5, then we'll try to do it on any other date," said a Palestinian official in Lebanon.
Another official addressed the decision to postpone the march, saying: "It will leave the Israeli enemy in a state of suspense and anxiety."
Meanwhile, the Lebanese al-Safir newspaper quoted Palestinian sources claiming preparations for the marches in Syria are still on. The sources promised the Sunday march from Damascus will be a lot bigger than the one on "Nakba Day."
It was also reported that Syrian authorities have yet to say whether the demonstrations events are legal.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
