By Jerusalem Newswire Editorial Staff
Aug 15, 2005
Israelis opposed to the forced expulsion of Jews from Gaza and northern Samaria were denied the right Sunday evening to gather en masse in Jerusalem one last time before the start of the ?disengagement? process.
Police finally gave approval for the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza to demonstrate, but placed heavy restrictions on their activities.
According to the police rules, the protesters could gather outside the Prime Minister's Office, but not at Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's official Jerusalem residence, as originally planned; the demonstration was to start at midnight and end by 5 PM Monday; no more than 20,000 people were to participate; and the protesters were not to leave the demonstration site.
Police officials said they were reluctant to allow the demonstration, fearing disengagement foes would attempt to prevent cabinet ministers from reaching Monday morning's meeting.
Sharon's cabinet did meet, and gave its final approval to the severing of Gaza and northern Samaria from Israel.
Yesha leaders announced they intend to lead the protesters on a march to Jewish Gaza Monday evening.
By midday, Israeli time, however, the protest was reported over.