Peaceful Ceasefire Protest at COP28 in UAE
In an unusual occurrence in the United Arab Emirates, a peaceful protest unfolded at COP28 in Dubai, calling for a ceasefire in support of Palestine. The protestors, at the Blue Zone governed by UN law, emphasized the urgency of ending the violence, particularly at a global event like COP28 addressing climate justice. From Dubai, here’s News Five’s Hipolito Novelo.
Hipolito Novelo, Reporting
It was a rare sight, a peaceful protest in the United Arab Emirates- at the COP28 grounds in Dubai. A ceasefire protest in support of the Palestinian people. The crowd was few at the start with the names of the thousands of victims of the Israel-Hamas war being read before the crowd grew to about a hundred protestors. The activists called for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza, six weeks after the October 7 invasion by Hamas into Israel. The protest featured pro-Palestinian symbols like watermelon flags, placards demanding a ceasefire, and climate justice messages.
Names of those killed by Israeli forces were read aloud, evoking emotional responses from onlookers. Activists emphasized the urgency of pushing for a ceasefire, particularly at an event like COP28, where global leaders gathered to address climate justice issues. The protest, held at the Blue Zone governed by UN law, also raised voices against climate injustice worldwide. The demonstration was permitted under strict guidelines as US Climate Action Network Jacob Johns found out. He pulled out his Palestinian flag in solidarity but was quickly told he cannot join the demonstration.
Jacob Johns
Jacob Johns, U.S. Climate Action Network
“We must use our voices and stand in solidarity. I don’t anticipate to see any repercussions against my government here in the UAE for standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We are more than prepared to take the risks that are associated with showing support in these international spaces for people who have been genocide made upon them right now.”
Reporting from COP28 in Dubai, Hipolito Novelo News 5.
