NEW DELHI: Concerned over the developments in Palestine following the "illegal and immoral financial blockade" imposed by the United States and the European Union, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has decided to collect funds as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The party Central Committee at its Hyderabad meeting last week had urged party units to collect funds that could be sent to Palestine for aiding the people and appealed to all citizens to donate generously in the form of money and not materials to the fund.

The Central Committee said the people of Palestine were facing a serious assault on their basic rights and livelihood. Ever since the elections in February this year when Hamas won a majority in the Parliament and formed the Government, Israel has stopped the funds amounting to U.S. $50 million per month to the Palestinian Authority, which was their legitimate dues from customs duties and excise. The U.S. and the European Union also stopped their financial assistance.

"The people in the West Bank and Gaza are being literally starved to punish them from exercising their democratic right to choose their government. Without money to pay salaries to government employees and normal business and trade coming to a standstill this is an illegal and immoral financial blockade," the Central Committee said in a statement.

The Israeli Government, it said, continues with its annexation plans in the West Bank by building the security wall - an act, which the International Court of Justice has declared illegal and a violation of international law.

The statement said that drafts and cheques in the name of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) should be sent to the party office at AKG Bhawan, 27-29, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110001.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail