RAMALLAH, January 23, 2007, (WAFA) - International Solidarity Movement (ISM) said that a gathering will take place on Thursday 25th January at the main checkpoint into Tel Rumeida at 2pm to demonstrate against colonisers violence and the closure of Shuhada Street to Palestinians.

In a press release issued Tuesday, ISM said that speakers, including Palestinian Legislative Council members, will condemn the continuing colonizers violence towards Palestinians in the Tel Rumeida district of Hebron, which has forced most of the residents of Tel Rumeida to move out and those remaining to suffer daily harassment from settlers and the IDF.

"Local residents will speak about these difficulties, as well as the closure of Shuhada Street, which cuts through the centre of Hebron." ISM added.

Shuhada Street has been closed to Palestinians for six years, although the Israeli High Court recently ruled that this had been a 'mistake' and Palestinians had the right of access. Despite this ruling the Israeli authorities continue to deny passage to Palestinians along Shuhada Street. The residents of Hebron and Tel Rumeida demand the right to access freely all parts of their city.

International human rights groups working in Tel Rumeida will attend the rally. Mary Baxter, an Australian human rights worker, who has lived and worked in Tel Rumeida for over a year, will speak about the work of international volunteers and the harassment they have faced from the Israeli authorities.

H.M (18:42 P) (16:42 GMT)