Video: Palestinian resistance in Gaza is “fighting for all of us,” says Dr. Mads Gilbert
“The heart of the Earth beats in Gaza now. It bleeds, but it beats,” says Dr. Mads Gilbert. The Norwegian emergency surgeon returned to his home city of Tromsø on 31 July, after spending several weeks treating the wounded from Israel’s assault at Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital. He went straight from the airport to give a spontaneous speech at a large solidarity demonstration for Gaza held at the same time. Tromsø is twinned with Gaza City. The newspaper Nordlys made this video, above, of his speech. It is subtitled in English. “The Palestinian people’s resistance in Gaza today is admirable, it is fair and it is a struggle for all of us. We do not want a world where raw power can be abused, to kill those who struggle for justice.” Gilbert asks why after all the massacres, all of Israel’s violations of the laws protecting civilians, there are no sanctions on Israel. He demands to know why the government of Norway is so “quiet” as Palestinians face “one of the most brutal occupation forces of modern history.” “Solidarity is a powerful weapon,” Gilbert says, ending his address with a call for everyone to get involved in the movement for Palestinian rights. “Israel is more isolated than ever and they deserve to be,” Gilbert says, endorsing the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. It is a powerful 25-minute speech.