During the past week, a number of Palestinian armed groups attacked European institutions and cultural centers in the Palestinian Territories and other places. There were also threats to kidnap international citizens working in Palestine.

These acts were in protest against publishing cartoons humiliating the prophet Mohammad, in a Danish newspaper, which were re-published in other papers in Norway, France, Germany, and other countries.

GCMHP strongly condemns any acts targeted to humiliate and defame symbols of all religions. We believe the freedom of expression should in no way include hurting the feelings and believes of any ethnic or religious group. The deliberate insult of others' religious beliefs is an unjustified act of aggression.

We appreciate the anger that Muslims felt as a result of publishing these cartoons. However, we strongly believe that these sentiments should be expressed peacefully. We reject the expression of anger through attacking international institutions such as embassies, consulates, cultural centers, and developmental institutions. We also refuse threats to kidnap innocent citizens. We believe these institutions and the people working for them in Palestine are friends of Palestinian people who came to help and carry out different relief and developmental projects and they deserve friendship, gratitude, and protection.

GCMHP also stresses that publishing these cartoons and the violent reactions to them may drive the international community in a vicious circle of violence and counter-violence.

In this regard, GCMHP calls for respect of all religions and beliefs and that all protests should be peaceful, civilized, non-violent, and in accordance with the law. We call upon the Palestinian Authority to take its responsibility to protect all international institutions and citizens working in Palestine.

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme