Palestinians in Gaza hold ‘Day of Rage’ to protest annexation

Thousands take part in a mass demonstration against Israel's annexation plan in Gaza City. The protest was organized by various Palestinian factions who called for a 'day of rage' across the occupied territories.

Palestinians in Gaza City demonstrate against Israel's plan to annex large swaths of the West Bank, July 1, 2020. (Mohammed Zaanoun)

By Mohammed Zaanoun -July 1, 2020

Tens of thousands of Palestinians held a “Day of Rage” in Gaza City on Wednesday to protest Israel’s plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

The protesters raised Palestinian flags and held signs criticizing Israel’s human rights violations.

Hamas, which controls the strip, along with other Palestinian factions called for demonstrations Wednesday across the occupied territories in response to the anticipated announcement on annexation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to begin the formal annexation of the Jordan Valley on July 1, based on the Trump administration’s Middle East plan that was released in January. But the controversial move has been delayed, due to disagreements within the Israeli government.
The annexation plan has drawn condemnations from the international community, including some of Israel’s staunchest allies.

“We will work together to oppose all aggressions waged against the Palestinian people,” one protester said. “The Palestinian cause will not be divided, nor will Palestinian land.”

Representatives from various political groups took part in the demonstration, including the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar, top Fatah official in Gaza Ahmad Hilles, and a member of the political arm of the Islamic Jihad Khaled al-Batsh.