GAZA, April 20, 2011 (WAFA) – Members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in the Gaza Strip said Wednesday that in spite of the murder of fellow member Vittorio Arrigoni, they are still committed to staying in Gaza.

Arrigoni, known among his friends as Vik, was kidnapped by an extremist Muslim group in Gaza on Thursday and killed hours later. Palestinians strongly condemned the killing and on Wednesday two of the abductors were killed and a third injured when Hamas security surrounded a house they were hiding in.

“Following the murder of our comrade and friend Vittorio, we, activists of the International Solidarity Movement, reiterate our commitment to remaining in Gaza, said a statement issued by Gaza ISM. “We will continue to work with and live among the Palestinian population as we continue the work to which Vik was so committed.”

“In these days of mourning, Palestinians have organized numerous memorials for Vik; they constantly remind us how sorry they are to have lost him, of how they loved him, his closeness, his affection, and his indignation at what is happening here in Gaza,” said the statement.

“We know that the group that perpetrated this horrible crime does not in any way represent Palestinian society. The Palestinians of Gaza are our friends, our colleagues, and our reason for being here; we will continue to stand by their side.”

The ISM said: “As we had done when Vittorio was with us, we will continue to stand alongside the Palestinian people, we will continue to struggle against the occupation, we will continue to accompany farmers to their lands along the border, we will continue to participate in demonstrations, and we will continue to tell the world what happens here in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.”

M.A.