Cops not notified of planned ‘blockade’ outside US embassy

 

Two protests were held to condemn Israel following the war in Gaza, outside the US embassy in October.

PETALING JAYA: The police have yet to be officially notified by the organisers of a proposed six-day “blockade” outside the US embassy, to be staged in response to the veto of United Nations’ efforts to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Wangsa Maju police chief Ashari Abu Samah confirmed the matter when contacted by Bernama today.

The rally organised by Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP) is set to take place from tomorrow until Dec 31. The demonstrators are expected to assemble at 10pm on Tuesday.

Under Section 9 of the Peaceful Assembly Act, organisers must inform the authorities in advance of rallies they plan to hold.

Earlier, SSP said the rally – supported by 25 CSOs, 14 student groups, and nine political parties, including PAS and DAP – was to protest the war in Gaza and the US’ actions.

The rally will demand a halt to the killings of the Palestinian people; an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire; cessation of hostilities to address the immediate needs of civilians in Gaza, and recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to a sovereign state.

“This will be a peaceful rally. We will set up tents and stay in the tents throughout the rally, in addition to organising solidarity events every night and displaying flags and symbols of the Palestinian people’s struggle,” SSP said in a statement, adding that a “mega rally” would be held on Dec 31 as the grand finale.

The US had vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza earlier this month.

Last week, the US threatened to veto another draft resolution, which forced the security council to water down the language in the resolution to call for “urgent action” in humanitarian aid for the Gaza strip instead of a “ceasefire”.

The US then agreed not to veto the amended resolution and abstained from the vote. The resolution was passed on Friday.

This is not the first time protests related to the war in Gaza were held outside the US embassy. Two protests were staged in October in a show of solidarity with Palestine as well as to condemn Israel following the war in Gaza. The US is a staunch ally of Israel. - FMT