Angry demonstrations condemning Israeli attack on aid ships

By Nasser Arrabyee/01/06/2010

Tens of thousands of Yemenis condemned Tuesday the Israeli attack on aid ships, the Flotilla of Freedom, which was in their way to Gaza early Monday.

In a statement issued by the ruling and opposition parties who called for and organized the demonstration, the Yemenis demanded withdrawal of the Arab peace initiative, and stopping of the negotiations with Israel.

The angry demonstrators demanded lift of the blockade on Gaza and pressing on Egypt to permanently open the Rafah crossing.

In the statement whose copy was handed over to the UN office in Sana'a, the demonstrators called upon the Arab and Islamic countries to cut relations with Israel.

Tribal leaders, clerics, and politicians from all political parties spoke to the furious audience, mostly schools and university students.

The prominent cleric Abdul Majeed Al Zandani said the Israeli attack on the flotilla would not have happened if Egypt opened the Rafah crossing.

Al Zandani demanded the Yemeni government to prepare four ships to go for looking for the four Yemeni activists who participated in the flotilla and were arrested by Israeli forces.

Al Zandani, who has influence on Yemenis as religious symbol, asked the crowds to prepare good reception and heroes welcome to the four Yemenis when they come back from the Israeli detention.

The clergyman also demanded the Arab leaders to establish an Arab union for confronting Israel.