JKNPP demands withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestine

Condemning the Israeli commando raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today demanded withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from Palestine at the earliest.

"The settlement of Jewish community in Occupied Palestine is a grave threat to international peace and security. The Israeli army should evacuate Palestine as soon as possible," JKNPP state-president Balwant Singh Mankotia told reporters here.

He also appealed to the Centre to support the Palestinian cause.

"We strongly condemn the raid. Israel has been violating the 181st UN resolution for many years now. The Indian government should support the Palestinians, as the high-handedness of Israel cannot be tolerated forever," he said.

Israeli commandos attacked the aid flotilla on May 31, killing nine volunteers who were approaching Gaza Port to distribute relief provided by the European community to the Palestinians.

"This wasn't just a crime against Palestinians but against the entire humanity. We will hold demonstrations in Srinagar, Delhi and other places to register our protest against the incident," Mankotia said.

The JKNPP leader had last month accompanied party chairman Bhim Singh to Palestine, Egypt and Jordan as part of a delegation invited to attend a three-day international conference in Haifa, Israel.