Islamic Organization Members Rally Condemning Israeli Attack on Gaza

By Azi Fitriyanti Jakarta, July 11 (Antara) - Thousands of members of Indonesian Islamic organizations rallied at Hotel Indonesia Boulevard in Jakarta, condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, Palestine. Members of some Islamic organizations, such as Prosperous and Fairness Party (PKS), Islamic Defense Troops (LPI), and Islamic Defense Front (FPI), protested against Israel and showed support to Palestine, on Friday. "Let us support our brothers and sisters in Palestine for their freedom from Israel," said Hidayat Nur Wachid, one of PKS leaders, while addressing the members. According to the police, the committee had obtained permission to hold rally from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Prabowo Subianto, the presidential candidate, who was also supported by PKS, was scheduled to address the gathering. Other politicians from Prabowo's team, including Abu Rizal Bakrie (chairman of Golkar Party) and Anis Matta (president of PKS), were also scheduled to join the rally. "We should unify to support Palestinians' freedom," said Abu Rizal Bakrie. Anis Matta noted that the rally on Wednesday afternoon was to show support, which came from the bottom of Indonesian people's heart. "Today, we show the world our wholehearted support to Palestinians, not merely during the last presidential campaign," he said. On Thursday (July 10), Israel had intensified bombardment of the Gaza Strip in an offensive against the Hamas militant group, with more than 900 targets attacked so far. Israel had reported that it was taking every precaution to avoid civilian casualties in the crowded urban landscape. The risk of more civilian deaths will remain high, especially if Israel moves in with ground forces. More than 85 people have been killed, including dozens of civilians, and over 300 wounded since the offensive began on Tuesday, Palestinian medical officials said as quoted from Associated Press. (*)