Palestinians protest Pompeo's planned visit to illegal Israeli settlement
The Palestinian groups say US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit aims to legalise Israel’s illegal settlement policies and shows the US administration’s support to Israel.
Palestinians gather to protest against the planned visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, on November 18, 2020 in Ramallah, West Bank.
Thousands of Palestinians rallied Wednesday against a planned visit later in the day by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Pompeo’s trip marks the first time a top American diplomat has visited an illegal Israeli settlement.
Palestinians, gathered after the call from members of Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian National and Islamic Forces at El-Bire district to protest Mike Pompeo's visit to Psagot Jewish settlement in West Bank.
Carrying flags, banners and chanting slogans, the demonstrators condemned Pompeo’s expected tour of the Psagot winery, established in part on land the Palestinians say was stolen from local residents.
"Pompeo's visit is not a surprise to the Palestinian people," said Mahmoud al Aloul, the deputy chairman of the Fateh group.
"All US administrations were biased to the [Israeli] occupation, however, the outgoing Trump administration was not biased only but a partner in the occupation."
READ MORE: Why is Israel bent on expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank?
Al Aloul said that "despite the blockade and difficult economic conditions, our people are rooted in their land and will defend it."
Following speeches by several Palestinian officials, the rally moved toward the Israeli Psagot settlement that Pompeo will visit.
READ MORE: What's left for Palestine after US recognises illegal Israeli settlements?
Palestinians protesting in Ramallah, West Bank on November 18, 2020.
The US diplomat also plans to visit Israeli settlements in Syria’s occupied Golan Heights.
Pompeo said in November 2019 the US will not consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank a violation of international law.
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