Gaza Factions Announce Marches for the Palestinian Right of Return

Palestinian factions plan a series of actions to demand the people's right to return to their homeland. (AFP)
Palestinian factions plan a series of actions to demand the people's right to return to their homeland. (AFP)
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Gaza Factions Announce Marches for the Palestinian Right of Return

Palestinian factions plan a series of actions to demand the people's right to return to their homeland. (AFP)
Palestinian factions plan a series of actions to demand the people's right to return to their homeland. (AFP)

A national high committee, assembled by Palestinian factions in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, announced on Saturday that it was coordinating a number of events that would culminate in a major a protest march that would demand the right of return for Palestinians.

The events and demonstrations aim to reject any attempts to eliminate the Palestinian cause. It also seeks to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip, which Israel imposed 11 years ago.

Member of the Central Committee of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Hussein Mansour said in a press conference held near the Karni crossing east of the Gaza Strip that there will be activities and mass movements.

They are aimed at confronting the occupation forces and breaking away from the security situation Israel is trying to impose on the Palestinian people.

He pointed out that the major rally will coincide with a broad regional and international political move, with the participation of individuals, institutions and Palestinian, Arab and international bodies supporting the cause.

He added that preparations are underway for millions of Palestinians to participate from Gaza, the West Bank and diaspora.

“We are facing a new stage in which our people decided to regain the initiative, armed with their rights and principles… to break the state of national stalemate and confront all circumstances and challenges," the PFLP leader said.

He stressed that “the main message of the march is the struggle to achieve the return of refugees according to the UN resolution 194.”

The resolution defined principles for reaching a final settlement and returning Palestinian refugees to their homes.

It resolved that “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so…and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.”

Mansour said that the march also aims at “achieving tactical objectives on confronting the American decision concerning Jerusalem, ending the siege on the Gaza Strip and addressing the targeting of refugees by stopping UNRWA support.”

He called on the Palestinian masses to join in mobilizing mass movements and national events, sending a strong message that the people are united and steadfast where it concerns their rights. He called on the diaspora to also stage mass support campaigns.

He also called on the official and non-official international institutions and the UN to shoulder their responsibilities by enforcing resolutions against Israel and end of the suffering of the Palestinian people.



CENTCOM Nominee: US Needs Troops in Syria to Stop ISIS Comeback

US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper 
US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper 
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CENTCOM Nominee: US Needs Troops in Syria to Stop ISIS Comeback

US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper 
US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper 

ISIS remains a threat in Syria and a US military presence is still needed there to deal with it, US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said in his confirmation hearing to become the next head of US Central Command.

The Pentagon has already decided to significantly reduce the number of troops in the country from 2,000 to fewer than 1,000.

But Cooper told the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 24 there is a continued need for at least some presence. And he argued that the complex situation in Syria needs to be weighed before making additional troop cuts.

“Presence is indispensable in the execution of the counter-ISIS mission today,” said Cooper, who currently serves as the deputy commander of CENTCOM, which oversees US forces in the Middle East.

“We have led it. We lead it today, and I anticipate we’ll lead it into the future. Every decision made on force posture is going to be conditions-based as I look to the future,” he added.

When asked by Senator Joni Ernst about the church bombing in Syria few days ago, Cooper said, “We are focused on this problem set every single day. ISIS remains a threat, and as we look to the future, and if confirmed, I will remain nose down on this threat. It is an absolute priority.”

Cooper said the US was right to back Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa and that he was a vital partner in the campaign against ISIS.

“ISIS thrives in chaos,” Cooper said. “If the government of Syria, now seven months into their existence, can help suppress that ISIS threat, along with the US forces in the region, that stability helps create our own security.”

He added, “I think, given the dynamic nature of what’s happening today, that assessment [of required US troops in Syria] in the future could look different than it does today, perhaps.”

Cooper said the US played—and continues to play—a central role in the anti-ISIS campaign.

“The United States has led this mission from the outset. We still lead it today, and I expect that leadership to continue as we move forward, guided by operational realities,” he affirmed.