On June 26, 2021, Fatah loyalists from Mahmoud Abbas’s faction, some of which identified as undercover Palestinian security personnel, attacked demonstrators with sticks and stones as they made their way to Palestinian Authority headquarters in Ramallah, West Bank.
Protesters marched following the extrajudicial killing of prominent opposition activist Nizar Banat by the Palestinian Authority in Hebron three days ago.
Banat, a staunch critic of the PA who was previously detained several times, was known for denouncing PA corruption, security coordination with the Israeli occupation and colonization authorities, as well as for compromising Palestinian liberation principles.
Activestills Collective
Activestills Collective was established in 2005 by a group of documentary photographers out of a strong conviction that photography is a vehicle for social and political change. We believe in the power of images to shape public attitudes and raise awareness on issues that are generally absent from public discourse. We view ourselves as part of the struggle against all forms of oppression, racism, and violations of the basic right to freedom.
It is time for Abbas to go. He has been acting like a stooge for the occupier, and seems to be in sync with them. The Palestinians have lost out achieving freedom and their rights, because Abbas has not worked to help them. He has been accused to doing Israel’s bidding, and it would be interesting to know why.
“Revelations about Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ capitulation to Israel and the United States are nothing new.
The Palestine Papers published by Al Jazeera in 2011 included scores of internal memos that provided evidence of PA collusion with Israel. They revealed backing for Israeli policies that resulted in the jailing and deaths of Palestinians, and described PA’s complicity in efforts to help Israel dodge war crimes charges for its 2008-09 assault on the Gaza Strip.” Al Jazeera
It was a tragedy the Palestinian election was called off. Another tragedy that decision wasn’t met with more opposition, even public protest. Political debate and dialog is needed. How else to reach consensus on moving forward politically, especially now with the imperative of co-existence due to the improbability of two states. Enough with throwing things.