Ramallah – SABA:
Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets today across several West Bank governorates to denounce the Israeli genocide in Gaza and express solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The demonstrations coincided with the Global Day for Gaza and Prisoners, marked on August 3.
The protests were organized by Palestinian political and civil institutions, which declared August 3 a national and international day to confront genocide, settler colonialism, and forced displacement, and to support Gaza and Palestinian detainees.
- In Ramallah, hundreds gathered at Al-Manara Square during a two-hour general strike, holding signs condemning genocide and demanding the release of prisoners. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, displayed photos of victims of starvation, and wore skeletal costumes to symbolize the famine crisis in Gaza. Others carried mock coffins for children, highlighting that women and children make up the majority of those killed.
- Former prisoner Iman Nafea told Anadolu Agency:
“Our message is one of unity against aggression and a call to break the global and Arab silence. Gaza’s starvation is a disgrace. Enough condemnation — we need action.” - In Nablus, protesters marched from Palestine Street to Martyrs’ Square, demanding the immediate release of prisoners and an end to genocide in Gaza. Families of prisoners led the demonstration, with some wearing red-stained garments and carrying bags to represent victims killed while waiting for humanitarian aid.
- In Hebron (Al-Khalil), hundreds chanted against Israeli war crimes and the inaction of international institutions, calling the silence “shameful.”
Gaza remains under a tight blockade since early March 2025, with Israel fully sealing off crossings and severely restricting access to food, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian aid. Gaza’s shops are now empty, basic supplies are scarce or unavailable, and food prices have skyrocketed to unaffordable levels, making death by starvation an increasingly common cause of mortality.
Since October 7, 2023, and with U.S. and European backing, Israel has continued its military assault on Gaza, resulting in:
- 60,839 Palestinian civilians killed, mostly women and children
- 149,588 wounded
- Thousands remain buried under rubble or inaccessible due to continued hostilities.
| more of (International) |