More than 40 representatives and heads of organizations, public committees, and local councils, serving and representing a large sector of the civil society in the Bethlehem area, met on Saturday the16th of June, at the East Jerusalem YMCA in Beit Sahour, to discuss possible urgent actions to take.

They discussed their different view points in order to clarify their positions and come up with practical actions in response to the recent developments, as well as actions to prevent chaos and preserve law and order in the area. The meeting adopted a statement written and agreed upon by civil society organizations and public representatives in Ramallah who met earlier that same day.

A follow up committee was formed which met immediately after the larger meeting to set an action plan and coordinate actions to take place during the upcoming few days. The action plan is to include a large public gathering for the entire Bethlehem area and holding discussion meetings in each village, city, town and refugee camp in the area.

Another meeting of the follow up committee was held on Monday the 18th of June to to set up the schedule of the public gathering to be held within a week

Related Links:

• Civil Society Organizations Statement regarding Gaza crisis by Palestinian Civil Society