Palestinians plan mass rally in support of UN statehood bid

[Jefferson23]

The rally, set to take place in Ramallah, will include a march from the tomb of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Manara Square in the center of the city.
By DPA

Palestinian activists and officials hope to mobilize tens of thousands for a rally in Ramallah Wednesday in support of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' bid for statehood at the United Nations.

The rally in the central West Bank city will also include a march from the tomb of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, at the Palestinian Authority (PA) headquarters, to Manara Square.

Abbas' Fatah party will attempt to boost attendance by closing schools for the day and allowing civil servants to attend during office hours.

Israel is placing its security forces on high alert in case demonstrators march on military checkpoints or Jewish settlements elsewhere in West Bank areas controlled by Israel

remainder: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinians-plan-mass-rally-in-support-of-un-statehood-bid-1.385628

[oberliner]

1. Only in the West Bank, though

No rallies in Gaza allowed - by orders of Hamas.

[Jefferson23]

2. Palestinian statehood bid: Why Hamas has stayed on sidelines

Hamas has yet to officially declare its stance on the Palestinian statehood bid, to be launched at the UN this week. If the bid fails, the Islamist movement could expand its power in the West Bank.

By Ahmed AlDabba, Contributor / September 20, 2011

As the Palestinian bid for statehood comes to a head this week at the United Nations, Hamas remains split on whether to support the controversial move.

The Islamist movement has long sought a Palestinian state, and its backing would be crucial for any such state to function. But amid a four-year rift with the Palestinian Authority (PA) led by Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas appears to be hedging its bets. A failure for Mr. Abbas could pave the way for Hamas to expand its influence in the West Bank, where it has long been suppressed by Israeli and PA security forces.

"It is worth a wait," says Talal Okal, Gaza-based analyst and columnist. " will congratulate Abbas if his efforts are crowned with success, and of course will rebuke him if he failed. It's a smart strategy."

in full: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0920/Palestinian-statehood-bid-Why-Hamas-has-stayed-on-sidelines

[azurnoir]

3. Thread already posted on no rallies see here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x364937

[Jefferson23]

5. None for Gaza, correct.

This Op I posted: "The rally, set to take place in Ramallah, will include a march from the tomb of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Manara Square in the center of the city."

[oberliner]

4. Hamas sees the writing on the wall

Their days as a Palestinian political force are numbered, thankfully.

[shira]

6. Hamas will only give up power if defeated militarily.

Remember the 2007 coup...

They can't allow Fatah to do that to them.

[oberliner]

7. I actually think they might feel more comfortable in a "resistance" role

I'm not sure how this will all play out of course but I don't see Hamas maintaining enough support among the Palestinian population to maintain a position in government - certainly not as a coalition partner.