Hundreds of protesters came together, on Tuesday, in Ramallah’s al-Manara Square to call for the end of political division, and a united stance for all Palestinians against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.The protest was attended by, in this reporter’s opinion, upwards of 1,000 Palestinians from many sectors of Palestinian life, and all age groups.
Speakers spoke of unity of Palestinian political parties, and for unity of the greater Palestinian population; in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and the millions of refugees dispursed around the world.
The rally was held in high spirits, with nearly all protestors standing as a united group. The one exception was a group of 20 – 25 agitators, who did not express political allegiance with any party, but chanted, with megaphones, slogans criticizing Hamas.
Protestors from the main body argued with this splinter faction, reminding them of the purpose of day, and the friction passed without major incident.
After a few hours of protest, the bulk of people in the square dispersed, leaving a core of 100 or so protestors to continue to chant for unity.