Geneva, December 29, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) - Hundreds of Swiss and solidarity with the Palestinian people gathered in front of the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva to mark the 1st anniversary of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip on Monday afternoon.

Among the protesters were nongovernmental and political organizations that defied the severe cold weather and took part in the demonstration, which lasted 4 hours and included several activities.

A number of politicians spoke during the demonstration. The Palestinian Health Minister of Hamas-led Government, Bassem Naim participated in the demonstration and delivers a short speech in which he discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the devastating effects of war on it.

Among the politicians who spoke was the parliament member from the Socialist Party, Jean-Charles Real, who has stated his willingness, along with other 50 members of the European Parliament, to go to Gaza in solidarity visit mid-January next year.

For his part, the director of Rights for All association, Anwar Gharbi said that this event was to commemorate the Israeli’s aggression and the victory of the Gazans’ will which became a title of honor and steadfastness against injustice and occupation.

During the demonstration 430 white balloons bearing the names and the age of children who were killed in the Israeli offensive were launched .Several balloons were stuck on trees surrounding the United Nations Building and near the headquarters of the Egyptian embassy in Geneva, which lies 3 kilometers from the place of the demonstration.

In conclusion, they demonstrators lit hundreds of candles and showed the film of "The trial of war criminals" in which the Gazan children who were the victims of Israeli aggression played the role of the hero

Likewise a large number of capitals and major cities in European countries and the United States, organized demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza, to mark the 1st anniversary of the Israeli aggression.

SAFA