Palestinian civil society groups have accused Giro d’Italia cycling race, which started its first leg in Israel on May 4, of covering up Israel’s war crimes in Gaza and its secret police’s repression against Giro protests, said Kerry Smith.
Hundreds of people also delayed the start of the fourth stage of the Giro d’Italia in the Sicilian city of Catania on May 8 in protest at the race starting in Israel, The Electronic Intifada said.
TeleSUR English noted that as the Giro d’Italia got underway in Jerusalem, Israeli forces were implementing a shoot-to-kill-or-maim policy, firing tear gas and live ammunition at Palestinian protesters in Gaza, wounding hundreds — 83 from live ammunition.
Thousands have been injured since March 30, many for life. They include 21-year-old cyclist Alaa Al-Daly, whose leg was amputated after being shot by Israeli snipers, ending his cycling career.
Palestinians from the West Bank protested in Jerusalem against the race and Israeli occupation. TeleSUR English said the march was stopped at the Qalandia checkpoint, an Israeli military base between Qalandia and Jerusalem.
The race took place in Jerusalem in defiance of the global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign, which calls for boycotts of Israel over its apartheid policies towards Palestinians.
“The message of the cyclists’ protest is to tell Giro d’Italia: Stop your support for the [Israeli] occupation,” BDS activist Zaid Al-Shoabi told the Turkish agency Anadolu. He said starting the race in Jerusalem was part of the move to make the city Israel’s capital.
Xavier Abu Eid, spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said: “Israel is trying to show that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.”
Read the article by Kerry Smith in the Green Left Weekly.