Palestine Cancels Anti-Israel Protests Due to COVID-19 Situation

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A large-scale anti-Israel protest planned to be held in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, was canceled due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As COVID-19 rapidly spreads throughout the Middle East, centered in Iran, many confirmed cases have also emerged in Israel and Palestine.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press, the Islamic Jihad, one of the armed factions in the Gaza Strip, announced on the 28th (local time) that the anti-Israel protest scheduled for the 30th at the separation barrier bordering Israel was canceled. The protest was called off as 97 confirmed cases and 1 death were reported in Palestinian areas including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank due to the COVID-19 situation. The protest was planned to commemorate the large-scale anti-Israel demonstrations that began on March 30, 2018, in response to then U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement in December 2017 recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

COVID-19, which is rapidly spreading throughout the Middle East, is also spreading at a frightening pace in Israel and Palestine. As of the morning of the 29th, Israel reported a total of 3,865 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian authorities have pointed out that Palestinians are being treated unfairly in Israel, where COVID-19 is spreading. Ibrahim Milhem, spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority (PA), criticized the Israeli authorities on the 24th for not properly treating Palestinian workers, calling it racist and inhumane.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.