Ki-moon triggers popular outrage among Gazans by his refusal to meet with them

Ki-moon triggers popular outrage among Gazans by his refusal to meet with them

[ 02/02/2012 - 04:55 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- A state of popular anger is prevailing in the besieged Gaza Strip after UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon insolently refused to meet during his visit with families of prisoners, martyrs and war victims, or any Gazan farmer, fishermen or patient.

An informed source told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Ki-moon, who coordinated his visit with the UNRWA, refused to include in his schedule any meeting with civilians from Gaza and listen to their suffering, and he also did not allow any of their representatives to receive him or attend his meetings with UN officials in Gaza.

The source added that Ki-moon also went too far in his bias in favor of the Israeli occupation and refused to meet with any officials from the elected government in Gaza.

Ki-moon had already refused about one year ago during a visit to the occupied Palestinian territories including Gaza to meet with families of prisoners and war victims, while he met with the family of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was then held in Gaza.

In this regard, head of the network of NGOs in Gaza Amjad Ashawa joined the Palestinian figures who rejected the UNRWA's invitation to receive and meet with Ki-moon in protest at his refusal to meet with Gaza victims and their representatives.

For the same reason, head of Al-Mizan center for human rights, Isam Younus, and head of the culture and free thought society, Maryam Zakkut, also refused invitations to meet with the UN secretary-general.

Zakkut, a noted female human rights activist, said in a press release that Ki-moon's disregard for victimized families who are considered an important spectra of the Palestinian people did not reflect an honest intention to look into and address the suffering of Gaza civilians.
For his part, senior official of the popular front for the liberation of Palestine Rabah Muhanna said on Wednesday that Ki-moon's visit to Gaza could not succeed unless he met with political and social forces, refugees, and families of victims and prisoners, and listened to them.

He added that Ki-moon's refusal to meet with Gazans and their representatives confirmed that his visit was ceremonial and not for humanitarian purposes.

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	Relatives of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and victims of the Israeli war on Gaza have received UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at Beit Hanun crossing on Thursday with protest signs.

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