NAZARETH, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel announced on Thursday that it has begun preparations for a comprehensive, three-day general strike affecting all workers and institutions in Palestinian towns and communities in Israel.
This move is part of an escalating response to the rampant spread of crime and violence and a protest against the Israeli government’s policies toward Palestinian citizens of Israel.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Committee’s Secretariat held at the Kafr Qara municipality hall, chaired by Committee head Jamal Zahalka and attended by representatives from various affiliated bodies.
Zahalka said that the killing of 35 people since the start of this year is a disgrace to the Israeli government, holding it directly responsible for the spread of crime by enabling criminal gangs and allowing blood to be spilled unchecked in Palestinian communities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee confirmed the start of practical preparations for the strike, including halting economic activities and calling on workers, professionals, and employees to abstain from work. The Committee also plans to coordinate with various community groups and organizations to ensure the broadest possible participation.
It also approved a series of escalating protest actions leading up to the strike and ratified a progressive action plan to combat crime, prepared by its Popular Action and Anti-Violence Committees.
The Committee called on Palestinian citizens in Israel to take part in the upcoming protest march scheduled for Sunday, February 8, involving a motorcade that will begin in Acre and merge with groups from Highways 2 and 1, heading toward Jerusalem.
