Tens of thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in the West Bank Monday to show support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, hours before his meeting in the White House with US President Barack Obama.
One of the demonstrations was focused in Manara Plaza in Ramallah's city center, where speeches were delivered to 18 thousand Palestinians, imploring Abbas to adhere to the Palestinian national interests and not succumb to American pressure.
Members of the anti-Zionist Naturei Karta ultra-Orthodox sect also took part in the rally.
Supporters of Abbas believe that his demand to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank and the release of Marwan Barghouti in exchange for the continuation of negotiations is a legitimate demand.
Dr. Jamal Mhessen, a top Fatah official posed to Obama, "Either you forge a comprehensive peace or face a new wave of violence."
Supporters also burned a picture of former Fatah leader, Mohammed Dahlan, who Palestinian media has accused of aiding to assassinate Palestinian officials.