DAMASCUS, Jan 21, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The Palestinian refugees in Syria staged a mass rally Monday evening in protest and condemnation against the Israeli massacres in the Gaza Strip and the siege imposed on the area, the official SANA news agency reported.
The protestors, marching in the Yarmouk refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus, called on the Arabs to take a united stance to face up to the Israeli aggressions and the inhumane catastrophe in Gaza due to the continued siege and closure of crossing points and other hostile practices.
The marchers denounced the silence of some international powers over the Gaza catastrophe and chanted slogans against the U.S. administration which provide cover-up for the Israeli aggression.
They also reiterated commitment to the legitimate Palestinian rights, particularly the right of return as a personal and legal right that nobody can annul or cancel.
The main power station that supplies Gaza electricity completely stopped on Sunday night due to fuel shortage.
Israel on Thursday decided to tightened a closure that has been imposed on Gaza since mid June, when Hamas took control of the coastal strip. All crossings leading to Gaza have been closed down.
Since Thursday, Israel has been barring fuels and basic food products from reaching the Gaza Strip, in retaliation to ongoing makeshift rocket attacks carried out by Palestinian militants from Gaza against Israel.
In addition, at least 37 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza on Tuesday.