Cynthia Thanda

TPA reporter

Green, white, black, and red—the colors of the Palestinian flag—were the only ones that mattered on 17 May 2025, as Batswana gathered at Tsholofelo Community Hall for a solidarity march in support of Palestine. The march honoured the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people, who remain caught in the devastating realities of war and displacement.

The march commenced from Tsholofelo Community Hall, with participants chanting powerful slogans such as “End the occupation,” “End apartheid,” “Stop the killings,” “Free Palestine,” and “Free Gaza.”

During the opening prayers, Moruti Mampane urged global participation in the movement:
“We are calling upon the world to stand with us as we fight for the lives of our fellow human beings. Imagine if this were happening here—would we remain silent? Would we allow others to take our land without protest? No. The time for silence has passed. We must act, and act decisively, to show that injustice must never be ignored.”

Ms. Alice Mogwe, Director of Ditshwanelo, the Botswana Centre for Human Rights, reaffirmed the call for Palestinian sovereignty, emphasizing the necessity of an independent Palestinian state where all citizens can live with full rights and freedoms.

“The Palestinian people’s right to statehood, their right to existence, and their fundamental human rights—as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—must be upheld,” she stated.

Fatema Khan of Zahraanaaz Children’s Fund echoed Botswana’s solidarity:
“We are here today, standing united with Palestine, whose resilience and courage inspire us to stand up for human rights. Botswana adds its voice to the global demand for just peace, a permanent ceasefire, and an end to occupation. Our network includes several humanitarian organizations, including Voice for Palestine, headed by Zaara Haddad, which continues to raise awareness and organize initiatives in support of Gaza.”

She further highlighted the role of Voice for Palestine in educating and mobilizing communities, fostering unity and global awareness through social media.
“Our mission is to cultivate unity, solidarity, and global awareness within the community of Gaborone and across Botswana, standing in unwavering support of the Palestinian people.”

The humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, led by Dr Imtiaz Sulieman, has been instrumental in directing aid to Gaza.
“Through our work with Gift of the Givers, we know that the funds raised for Palestine are reaching those who need them most. Letters from Gaza expressing gratitude remind us that our voices and contributions matter,” Khan added.

The Reality of Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza remains under siege, enduring a crippling blockade on commercial goods for over 15 years. At the height of restrictions, only two truckloads of supplies entered per month, forcing 80% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents into aid dependency.

Since 2007, over 292 water wells have been destroyed, turning once-fertile land into dust. Schools remain unsafe, with tear gas canisters fired into playgrounds where children once played freely.

Just weeks before the march, six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem were ordered closed, displacing 800 refugee children and leaving their education uncertain.

These statistics barely capture the lived reality. Imagine a mother clutching her child’s hand as drones circle overhead. Imagine grandparents watching the trees they planted being cut down one by one. Imagine fathers detained during family celebrations—never to return. Homes demolished in the dead of night. Checkpoints blocking ambulances. Water meant for families was rerouted to settlements. Lives shattered.

This is not history—it is happening now.

Closing with Words of Resilience

The march concluded with a solemn moment as attendees reflected on the Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, killed during an Israeli bombardment on Gaza. His body remains buried beneath the rubble of Palestine, yet his words live on:

“If I must die,

you must live,

to tell my story,

to sell my things,

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings.

And make it white with a long tail,

so that a child somewhere in Gaza,

while looking heaven in the eye,

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze,

and bid no one farewell,

not even to his flesh,

not even to himself.

Sees the kite,

my kite that you made,

flying up above,

and thinks for a moment,

an angel is there,

bringing back love.

If I must die,

let it bring hope,

Let it be a tale”.

© TPA2025