Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated against the agreement between the United States-sponsored Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the West Bank and Gaza. The demonstration was organized by the Islamic Jihad movement and other Palestinian groups. Leaders of various groups, including Hamas, joined the protest on Friday, reports Xinhua. Hundreds of people gathered at the Al-Omari main mosque in the city of Gaza. The protesters gathered at Palestine Chowk, marching on the main roads. There were banners in the hands of the protesters, which said ‘Palestine is not for sale’. With this, they shouted slogans against the UAE.
Palestinians stabbed in the back
Khalid al-Batsh, a member of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Jihad Movement, called on the UAE to immediately withdraw Israel’s recognition. During the demonstration, Hamas movement leader Mushir al-Masri addressed on behalf of leaders of other factions. They called the declaration of the agreement a dark day. He said that this agreement is a betrayal, which cannot be forgiven. Mushir said that Palestinians have been stabbed in the back.
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Iran and Turkey also protested
On the other hand, Iran and Turkey have also opposed this agreement. These countries have termed the deal as a betrayal of Palestine. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Friday that with this agreement the UAE has dagged the backs of Palestinians and all Muslims. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also sharply criticized the UAE’s move as a hoax, while Turkey’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the people of the region will never forget it. Before this, Hamas has also sharply criticized this agreement.
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The United Nations welcomed the agreement
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, hoping that it would pave the way for meaningful dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. The EU said that the agreement would help in stabilizing the region. France said the agreement would normalize relations between Israel and the EU. While China has described it as a stress-relieving step.