Gaza's tunnel tycoons . From an article in YNet.
"Some 600 new millionaires made their fortunes by smuggling goods in Gaza tunnels, at the expense of thousands of workers risking their lives. Social uprising on the way?
The Gaza Strip usually makes headlines for rocket launching and IDF raids, but the daily lives of its residents are mostly affected by poverty, unemployment, faulty infrastructure and Hamas government corruption. A new study shows that in the past five years a new class of young millionaires emerged in Gaza.
The Gaza blockade enabled many to capitalize on the smuggling of goods via the Rafah tunnels. A new class of 600 young "tunnel millionaires" made their fortunes often at the expense of thousands of workers risking their lives in the tunnels.
Many of the new financial tycoons invested their money in grandiose real estate projects such as luxurious shopping malls and hotels, out of the reach of most Gaza residents. This resulted in a spike in real estate prices that further worsened the economic stagnation. Many of the new millionaires are associated with Hamas leadership, and are involved in money laundering schemes, investing mostly outside Gaza.
As a result, their contribution to the Gaza market is slim, many claim in Gaza. They are furious with the new elite that use their capital to further monopolize the market to their own benefit rather than invest in the local market and create new jobs.
For some of the millionaires, theirs is a Cinderella story. A carriage driver turned became a luxury cars dealership owner, and a simple construction worker evolved into a real estate tycoon. Arab media recently showcased the story of 27 year-old Abu Ibrahim who turned his demolished house into a tunnel and in less than five years became a millionaire. The prices of smuggled goods, said Ibrahim "skyrocketed" in the past years, allowing him to earn up to $100,000 a day. His workers were paid $100a day.
The Hamas government cooperates and supports the nouveaux riches. It refrained from enforcing clear financial laws and regulations, and under the premise of "the struggle against Israeli blockade" it allowed the tunnel business to flourish without any regulation, while earning millions from taxes on gas, cigarettes and illegal drugs and pills."
Showing posts with label 2010 Gaza Flotilla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 Gaza Flotilla. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New Flotillas promised
In spite of the lowest unemployment rate in a decade , and in spite of economic growth of 31 %, new flotillas are being planned for Gaza.
This time they aren't even pretending its about delivering aid, though.
Italian anti-Israel activist Germano Monti of "Freedom Flotilla - Italy," announced to Palestine Today the intention of resuming flotillas in an attempt to puncture the UN sanctioned maritime blockade of Gaza . Different ships will sail from different ports at irregular intervals, in an effort to stymie Israeli security precautions.
The planned launch, said Monti will include ten groups of passengers and cargo ships. The final plan will be developed in the meeting of the International Coalition for the Freedom Flotilla, which will soon be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The flotillas will be coordinated with other assaults on Israel's borders- including another Flytilla scheduled for the spring, and the Global March on Jerusalem
No, its not about humanitarian aid. It never was.
Gaza’s economy in the second quarter of 2011
*Gaza’s construction sector grew by 4,500 workers
*The GDP in Gaza reached 426 million dollars, an increase of 30.7% compared to the same time period the previous year
The latest developments in Gaza
*In the first nine months of 2011, 4,497 truckloads (on average) entered Gaza on a monthly basis; an increase of 96% compared to last year
*Gaza residents were permitted to export textiles, furniture and agricultural goods
*Approved permits for upgrading six hospitals and constructing seven new clinicals
*Approval of plans to rehabilitate and build 57 new schools and kindergartens
*One-hundred Gaza business men cross daily into Israel, as well as participants in conventions and conferences held outside of Gaza
*Thousands of Palestinians cross the border to receive Israeli medical care
And in spite of this, rockets and mortars continue to rain down on Israeli civilians. Over one million Israeli civilians remain at risk. According to The Israel Project’s count, terrorists fired 653 rockets at Israel this year as of December 29, compared with 238 in 2010.
This time they aren't even pretending its about delivering aid, though.
Italian anti-Israel activist Germano Monti of "Freedom Flotilla - Italy," announced to Palestine Today the intention of resuming flotillas in an attempt to puncture the UN sanctioned maritime blockade of Gaza . Different ships will sail from different ports at irregular intervals, in an effort to stymie Israeli security precautions.
The planned launch, said Monti will include ten groups of passengers and cargo ships. The final plan will be developed in the meeting of the International Coalition for the Freedom Flotilla, which will soon be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The flotillas will be coordinated with other assaults on Israel's borders- including another Flytilla scheduled for the spring, and the Global March on Jerusalem
No, its not about humanitarian aid. It never was.
Gaza’s economy in the second quarter of 2011
*Gaza’s construction sector grew by 4,500 workers
*The GDP in Gaza reached 426 million dollars, an increase of 30.7% compared to the same time period the previous year
The latest developments in Gaza
*In the first nine months of 2011, 4,497 truckloads (on average) entered Gaza on a monthly basis; an increase of 96% compared to last year
*Gaza residents were permitted to export textiles, furniture and agricultural goods
*Approved permits for upgrading six hospitals and constructing seven new clinicals
*Approval of plans to rehabilitate and build 57 new schools and kindergartens
*One-hundred Gaza business men cross daily into Israel, as well as participants in conventions and conferences held outside of Gaza
*Thousands of Palestinians cross the border to receive Israeli medical care
And in spite of this, rockets and mortars continue to rain down on Israeli civilians. Over one million Israeli civilians remain at risk. According to The Israel Project’s count, terrorists fired 653 rockets at Israel this year as of December 29, compared with 238 in 2010.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Libyan Commando Mahdi al-Haratia : a Mavi Marmara "peace activist" ?
According to the Spanish daily ABC, Mahdi al-Haratia, a Libyan rebel commander who played a key role in overthrowing the rule of Muammar Qaddafi participated in the May 2010 Gaza flotilla aboard the Turkish-owned vessel the Mavi Marmara. "Peace activists" aboard the Mavi Maramara ambushed and attacked Israeli soldiers, beating them with clubs, and throwing them off overboard. The Mavi Marmara incident left 8 dead.
From John Rosenthal at the National Review
"The paper’s source for the story is the rebel leader himself: Mahdi al-Haratia, the commander of the so-called Tripoli Brigades, which are widely credited with having played a decisive role in the rebel conquest of the Libyan capital in August. After the seizure of Tripoli, al-Harati was named second-in-command to Abdul-Hakim Belhadj, the head of the newly formed Tripoli Military Council. Belhadj is the historical leader of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), the Libyan affiliate of al-Qaeda.
According to his December 17 article, ABC correspondent Daniel Iriarte unexpectedly ran into al-Harati and two other Libyan associates of Belhadj in Syria, where the Spanish journalist was working on a story on the “Free Syrian Army,” the recently formed rebel force that aims to overthrow Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The Libyans made no attempt to hide their identities, Iriarte reports, explaining to him that that they were in Syria “in order to evaluate the needs of our Syrian revolutionary brothers.” Altogether “a few dozen” Libyans were in Syria to support the anti-Assad insurgents, they said.
Prior to the Libyan rebellion against Qaddafi, al-Harati was living in exile in Ireland. He is reported to have returned to Libya in February, at the very outset of the uprising. On his own account, barely eight months earlier he participated in the “Free Gaza” flotilla aboard the Mavi Marmara. “I was wounded on the Mavi Marmara and spent nine days in an Israeli prison,” he told Iriarte"
From John Rosenthal at the National Review
"The paper’s source for the story is the rebel leader himself: Mahdi al-Haratia, the commander of the so-called Tripoli Brigades, which are widely credited with having played a decisive role in the rebel conquest of the Libyan capital in August. After the seizure of Tripoli, al-Harati was named second-in-command to Abdul-Hakim Belhadj, the head of the newly formed Tripoli Military Council. Belhadj is the historical leader of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), the Libyan affiliate of al-Qaeda.
According to his December 17 article, ABC correspondent Daniel Iriarte unexpectedly ran into al-Harati and two other Libyan associates of Belhadj in Syria, where the Spanish journalist was working on a story on the “Free Syrian Army,” the recently formed rebel force that aims to overthrow Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The Libyans made no attempt to hide their identities, Iriarte reports, explaining to him that that they were in Syria “in order to evaluate the needs of our Syrian revolutionary brothers.” Altogether “a few dozen” Libyans were in Syria to support the anti-Assad insurgents, they said.
Prior to the Libyan rebellion against Qaddafi, al-Harati was living in exile in Ireland. He is reported to have returned to Libya in February, at the very outset of the uprising. On his own account, barely eight months earlier he participated in the “Free Gaza” flotilla aboard the Mavi Marmara. “I was wounded on the Mavi Marmara and spent nine days in an Israeli prison,” he told Iriarte"
Friday, November 11, 2011
Are the Flotidiots in Violation of US law?
Are the Flotidiots in Violation of US law? Maybe.
18 USC 962 - Arming vessel against friendly nation
Sec. 962. Arming vessel against friendly nation
Whoever, within the United States, furnishes, fits out, arms, or attempts to furnish, fit out or arm, any vessel, with intent that such vessel shall be employed in the service of any foreign prince, or state, or of any colony, district, or people, to cruise, or commit hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States is at peace; or
Whoever issues or delivers a commission within the United States for any vessel, to the intent that she may be so employed—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
Every such vessel, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, together with all materials, arms, ammunition, and stores which may have been procured for the building and equipment thereof, shall be forfeited, one half to the use of the informer and the other half to the use of the United States.
The flotillas are in direct service to the Hamas led government of Gaza.
Can we use 18 USC 962 to prssecute the American Flotidiots and their enablers? Attorneys, please weigh in.
18 USC 962 - Arming vessel against friendly nation
Sec. 962. Arming vessel against friendly nation
Whoever, within the United States, furnishes, fits out, arms, or attempts to furnish, fit out or arm, any vessel, with intent that such vessel shall be employed in the service of any foreign prince, or state, or of any colony, district, or people, to cruise, or commit hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States is at peace; or
Whoever issues or delivers a commission within the United States for any vessel, to the intent that she may be so employed—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
Every such vessel, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, together with all materials, arms, ammunition, and stores which may have been procured for the building and equipment thereof, shall be forfeited, one half to the use of the informer and the other half to the use of the United States.
The flotillas are in direct service to the Hamas led government of Gaza.
Can we use 18 USC 962 to prssecute the American Flotidiots and their enablers? Attorneys, please weigh in.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Gaza Flotilla Confession: "We Have no cargo"
Another beautiful job by the Israeli Defence Forces. The "provocatilla" by two ships has been peacefully ended. The ships and their passengers are now on their merry way to Ashdod.
In this brief film, Israel Navy contacts the vessels and offers them the opportunity to dock in Ashdod port. When asked what their cargo is, the flotilla replies "we have no cargo"
"Contact was made between the Israel Navy and the vessels Tahrir and Saorise which are sailing towards the Gaza Strip. The purpose of this attempt is to create a provocation against the State of Israel, to break the maritime security blockade on Gaza, and to undermine Israel's security.
The IDF Chief of Staff ordered the Navy to board the vessels-should they refuse our radio requests
According to international law, it is lawful for Israel to impose a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip because it is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization, the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip (see the law of blockade for more information). The Hamas terrorist organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the US, UK, EU and state of Israel.
Since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Hamas terrorist organization has launched thousands of rockets into major Israeli population centers, populated by one million Israeli civilians. During the last decade, Hamas has orchestrated a long series of suicide bombings, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians. The Hamas terrorist organization continues to smuggle rockets into Gaza via the sea and underground tunnels."
In this brief film, Israel Navy contacts the vessels and offers them the opportunity to dock in Ashdod port. When asked what their cargo is, the flotilla replies "we have no cargo"
"Contact was made between the Israel Navy and the vessels Tahrir and Saorise which are sailing towards the Gaza Strip. The purpose of this attempt is to create a provocation against the State of Israel, to break the maritime security blockade on Gaza, and to undermine Israel's security.
The IDF Chief of Staff ordered the Navy to board the vessels-should they refuse our radio requests
According to international law, it is lawful for Israel to impose a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip because it is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization, the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip (see the law of blockade for more information). The Hamas terrorist organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the US, UK, EU and state of Israel.
Since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Hamas terrorist organization has launched thousands of rockets into major Israeli population centers, populated by one million Israeli civilians. During the last decade, Hamas has orchestrated a long series of suicide bombings, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians. The Hamas terrorist organization continues to smuggle rockets into Gaza via the sea and underground tunnels."
Sunday, July 3, 2011
More Photos from the hell that is Gaza
From the UNRWA website
Gaza’s children entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the third year straight today, as they broke the record for the world’s biggest parachute game.
"Schoolchildren from across the Gaza Strip gathered at Khan Younis stadium late this afternoon for the first of four world records they will attempt to break in Gaza this summer.
The attempt, comprising 3,520 children playing with 176 parachutes, more than doubled the record set by pupils at Plymstock School in Plymouth, England on 4 April 2006, when 1,547 children played with 58 parachutes.
International witnesses were on hand to count, including two judges in charge of signing the official statement on behalf of Guinness."
Yes. There is a stadium in the worlds largest concentration camp. Yes, the well nourished happy children were playing games. And yes, the Guinness Book of World records folks somehow found their way to Gaza without the use of a provocative, illegal flotilla
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Gaza Flotilla 2011 . Preparations are finalized on all sides
In order to protect Israeli civilians from attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas, the IDF maintains a naval blockade on the Gaza Coast. Given previous attempts by the terrorist organization in smuggling weapons via land and sea and the inherent difficulties in conducting inspections at sea, it is critical that Israeli forces inspect all goods and material marked for Gaza prior to their transfer into the Strip
This week in Athens, Greece, the blockade runners conducted trainings on how to thwart Israeli efforts to enforce the blockade. And the Israel Navy conducted an simulation of all possible scenarios for when the Gaza flotilla attempts to run the naval blockage.
The US State Department warned activists planning to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza that they risked criminal prosecution if they carried through with their attempt.
“Delivering or attempting or conspiring to deliver material support or other resources to or for the benefit of a designated foreign terrorist organization, such as Hamas, could violate US civil and criminal statutes and could lead to fines and incarceration,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement issues as a flotilla prepares to set out from Europe to Gaza, which Hamas runs.
The American Blockade Runners are well aware of this and as a result are simply carrying a cargo of "letters" to be delivered to Gaza. When they aren't trying to provoke an international incident however, our homegrown jihadis and their allies don't even try and conceal their support for Hamas.
The Americans will be sailing on a Greek owned ship that will be flying an American flag to create a special you-tube moment "Look! The Israelis are attacking an Americans on an American vessel"- don't think for a moment that this entire scenario has not already been planned and orchestrated for maximum impact by the blockade runners.
On Wednesday Greek Foreign Ministry released a statement, saying that flotilla will not help the humanitarian situation. “Greek foreign policy is set by the Greek government, which has in mind the advancement of Greek interests,” “In these moments [the citizens] must show the corresponding responsibility or take full responsibility of their actions.”
That would be a "flying pigs" moment. For the Israel haters, jihad means never taking responsibility for their actions. After all, its all Israel's fault.
This week in Athens, Greece, the blockade runners conducted trainings on how to thwart Israeli efforts to enforce the blockade. And the Israel Navy conducted an simulation of all possible scenarios for when the Gaza flotilla attempts to run the naval blockage.
The US State Department warned activists planning to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza that they risked criminal prosecution if they carried through with their attempt.
“Delivering or attempting or conspiring to deliver material support or other resources to or for the benefit of a designated foreign terrorist organization, such as Hamas, could violate US civil and criminal statutes and could lead to fines and incarceration,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement issues as a flotilla prepares to set out from Europe to Gaza, which Hamas runs.
The American Blockade Runners are well aware of this and as a result are simply carrying a cargo of "letters" to be delivered to Gaza. When they aren't trying to provoke an international incident however, our homegrown jihadis and their allies don't even try and conceal their support for Hamas.
Paul Larudee and friends feted by Hamas leaders in 2009
Scott Kennedy and Hamas Leader Haniyeh 2006
Wallach-bot with "Hand Off Hamas" hat. San Francisco Jihadi showing off Hamas Sweatshirt : collage courtesy of David
The Americans will be sailing on a Greek owned ship that will be flying an American flag to create a special you-tube moment "Look! The Israelis are attacking an Americans on an American vessel"- don't think for a moment that this entire scenario has not already been planned and orchestrated for maximum impact by the blockade runners.
On Wednesday Greek Foreign Ministry released a statement, saying that flotilla will not help the humanitarian situation. “Greek foreign policy is set by the Greek government, which has in mind the advancement of Greek interests,” “In these moments [the citizens] must show the corresponding responsibility or take full responsibility of their actions.”
That would be a "flying pigs" moment. For the Israel haters, jihad means never taking responsibility for their actions. After all, its all Israel's fault.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Huwaida Arraf "We're Winning! We're Winning! But we're still the victims"
The co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Huwaida Arraf's most recent press release keeps with the overall theme of the Palestinian "resistance" movement "Even when we lose we win." and its corollary "Even when we win, we're still the victims"
From Huwaida ( my comments follow)
Israel Proves that Flotillas Work
Israel’s announcement of authorization for construction materials for 1,200 homes and 18 schools in Gaza is the latest achievement by the Freedom Flotilla, scheduled to sail next week.
No its not Huwaida. Its part of an ongoing stream of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza that flows virtually non-stop. Material goods to the Gaza Strip have steadily increased - from a daily average of 120 trucks in April 2010 to 237 in March 2011. - for the week ending June 17, 1163 truckloads (29,666 tons) of goods, including 278 truckloads of construction materials, were delivered to the Gaza Strip.
-- 586 tons of cooking gas were delivered via Kerem Shalom crossing.
- 343 Gaza residents (patients and their companions) entered or passed through Israel for medical treatment via Erez Crossing.
A bit earlier, when there was no threat of a "flotilla" the figures were no different
In the week ending Mar 31 2011
- 1183 truckloads (33,939 tons) of goods, including 312 truckloads of construction materials, were delivered to the Gaza Strip.
- 3 truckloads of flowers were exported from the Gaza Strip.
- 1024 tons of cooking gas were delivered via Kerem Shalom crossing.
- 356 Gaza residents (patients and their companions) entered or passed through Israel for medical treatment via Erez Crossing.
In fact, Huwaida, since the ceasefire in January 2009, well over a million tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Israel - almost a ton of aid for each man, woman and child in Gaza.
In the weeks leading up to the flotilla, Israel has taken a number of steps to try to address the concerns raised in the public eye by the Freedom Flotilla 2 – Stay Human initiative. However organizers say that these steps are symbolic at best, fall far short of Israel’s obligations under international law, are insufficient to meet the needs of Palestinians in Gaza, and are fundamentally designed to maintain the occupation and system of control that Israel exerts over Palestinian lives. Ultimately, these measures fall short of the greatest test – that of freedom for Palestinians.
Freedom to do what, Huwaida? Freedom to import even more lethal weapons from Iran? Freedom to target more Israeli civilians? Freedom to target more school buses? Just a reminder, Huwaida, according to the International monetary Fund, the growth rate in the Gaza Strip in 2010 was 15%.
In addition to the authorization of a limited amount of construction materials, Israel has also recently permitted 19 trucks of medicine to be delivered by Palestinian sources from the West Bank to Gaza. This was in response to an emergency announcement from health authorities in Gaza that crucial medicines had run out due to Israel's illegal blockade. Prior to that, Israel increased the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to between 210 and 220 per day. However, this still falls 35% short of what is required by Gaza Strip residents.
The last week in May, 8 truckloads of Medicine and Medical Equipment entered Gaza from Israel. Israel does not limit the shipment of medicine and medical supplies at all. Have you read the reports that Hamas is stockpiling medicine, and diverting the medicines away from hospitals and towards Hamas-affiliated pharmacies, where hospital patients' families are forced to buy medicine not available in hospitals. Hamas is always willing to sacrifice the health and well being of the Gaza populace if it will ensure a propaganda victory against Israel.
The pattern developing shows that as the sailing date of the Flotilla nears, Israel is increasing efforts to allow humanitarian goods into Gaza, including previously banned reconstruction materials. This proves three important things: (1) the Flotilla is effective in generating changes, even if they are insufficient, on the ground; (2) the ‘normal channels’ for delivering aid exist, but are useless without pressure on Israel to allow them to function; and (3) Israel’s standard excuse for preventing reconstruction material into Gaza is rendered baseless, given the approval to allow 1,200 homes and 18 schools to be constructed.
No, Huwaida. Israel kept the humanitarian aid to Gaza flowing, in spite of nearly 10,000 missiles and rockets launched against her. Israel kept the humanitarian aid flowing, even during Operation Cast lead. In the last year, new malls, resorts and water parks have been built. A brand new mosque was just built near Gaza City.
Even as the Freedom Flotilla welcomes this latest achievement and proof of the necessity and effectiveness of the Flotilla tactic, we also reiterate that our effort is not simply about delivering humanitarian aid. The goal of the Flotilla is not aid; it is freedom for Palestinians in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories. As such, there are no ‘established channels’ for freedom – there is only one - an end to the Israeli occupation.
There is no occupation of Gaza, Huwaida. There is one Jew left in Gaza, and his name is Gilad Shalit. He is being held against his will, in direct violation of the Geneva convention. He has been deprived of his human and civil rights for nearly 5 years.
From Huwaida ( my comments follow)
Israel Proves that Flotillas Work
Israel’s announcement of authorization for construction materials for 1,200 homes and 18 schools in Gaza is the latest achievement by the Freedom Flotilla, scheduled to sail next week.
No its not Huwaida. Its part of an ongoing stream of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza that flows virtually non-stop. Material goods to the Gaza Strip have steadily increased - from a daily average of 120 trucks in April 2010 to 237 in March 2011. - for the week ending June 17, 1163 truckloads (29,666 tons) of goods, including 278 truckloads of construction materials, were delivered to the Gaza Strip.
-- 586 tons of cooking gas were delivered via Kerem Shalom crossing.
- 343 Gaza residents (patients and their companions) entered or passed through Israel for medical treatment via Erez Crossing.
A bit earlier, when there was no threat of a "flotilla" the figures were no different
In the week ending Mar 31 2011
- 1183 truckloads (33,939 tons) of goods, including 312 truckloads of construction materials, were delivered to the Gaza Strip.
- 3 truckloads of flowers were exported from the Gaza Strip.
- 1024 tons of cooking gas were delivered via Kerem Shalom crossing.
- 356 Gaza residents (patients and their companions) entered or passed through Israel for medical treatment via Erez Crossing.
In fact, Huwaida, since the ceasefire in January 2009, well over a million tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Israel - almost a ton of aid for each man, woman and child in Gaza.
In the weeks leading up to the flotilla, Israel has taken a number of steps to try to address the concerns raised in the public eye by the Freedom Flotilla 2 – Stay Human initiative. However organizers say that these steps are symbolic at best, fall far short of Israel’s obligations under international law, are insufficient to meet the needs of Palestinians in Gaza, and are fundamentally designed to maintain the occupation and system of control that Israel exerts over Palestinian lives. Ultimately, these measures fall short of the greatest test – that of freedom for Palestinians.
Freedom to do what, Huwaida? Freedom to import even more lethal weapons from Iran? Freedom to target more Israeli civilians? Freedom to target more school buses? Just a reminder, Huwaida, according to the International monetary Fund, the growth rate in the Gaza Strip in 2010 was 15%.
In addition to the authorization of a limited amount of construction materials, Israel has also recently permitted 19 trucks of medicine to be delivered by Palestinian sources from the West Bank to Gaza. This was in response to an emergency announcement from health authorities in Gaza that crucial medicines had run out due to Israel's illegal blockade. Prior to that, Israel increased the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to between 210 and 220 per day. However, this still falls 35% short of what is required by Gaza Strip residents.
The last week in May, 8 truckloads of Medicine and Medical Equipment entered Gaza from Israel. Israel does not limit the shipment of medicine and medical supplies at all. Have you read the reports that Hamas is stockpiling medicine, and diverting the medicines away from hospitals and towards Hamas-affiliated pharmacies, where hospital patients' families are forced to buy medicine not available in hospitals. Hamas is always willing to sacrifice the health and well being of the Gaza populace if it will ensure a propaganda victory against Israel.
The pattern developing shows that as the sailing date of the Flotilla nears, Israel is increasing efforts to allow humanitarian goods into Gaza, including previously banned reconstruction materials. This proves three important things: (1) the Flotilla is effective in generating changes, even if they are insufficient, on the ground; (2) the ‘normal channels’ for delivering aid exist, but are useless without pressure on Israel to allow them to function; and (3) Israel’s standard excuse for preventing reconstruction material into Gaza is rendered baseless, given the approval to allow 1,200 homes and 18 schools to be constructed.
No, Huwaida. Israel kept the humanitarian aid to Gaza flowing, in spite of nearly 10,000 missiles and rockets launched against her. Israel kept the humanitarian aid flowing, even during Operation Cast lead. In the last year, new malls, resorts and water parks have been built. A brand new mosque was just built near Gaza City.
Even as the Freedom Flotilla welcomes this latest achievement and proof of the necessity and effectiveness of the Flotilla tactic, we also reiterate that our effort is not simply about delivering humanitarian aid. The goal of the Flotilla is not aid; it is freedom for Palestinians in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories. As such, there are no ‘established channels’ for freedom – there is only one - an end to the Israeli occupation.
There is no occupation of Gaza, Huwaida. There is one Jew left in Gaza, and his name is Gilad Shalit. He is being held against his will, in direct violation of the Geneva convention. He has been deprived of his human and civil rights for nearly 5 years.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Formula one racer from Gaza to be entered in UK race
Photo: UPI/Ismael Mohamad
Student in the Gaza have made a racing car they hope will compete in this year's Formula Student, a student engineering competition that takes place in the UK in July.
They built it at UNRWA's Khan Younis Training Center using locally made parts to manufacture their car and now are hoping to take part in the race against teams from 30 other countries.
Hmmm. What comes to my mind is "just like the Warsaw ghetto". Right, Leslie Angeline?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
"Activists" on the Mavi Marmara were armed
As the latest in , (what is it- eight flotillas, now? )limps through its planning stage, photographs from the last flotilla have finally been released showed the "Peace activists" with weapons.
From the IMRA facebook page
According to a variety of reports, the flotilla du jur is running into problems.
From YNET:
The flotilla's organizers, it is believed, are finding it hard to meet their goal in regards to the number of ships partaking in the sail. "They want to breach the blockade and think that the more ships they have, the higher their chances of succeeding," a source told Ynet.
The IHH, which organized the first Gaza flotilla, is heavily involved in the second sail, alongside the "Free Gaza" Movement" and the "European Campaign." These three are joined by several smaller groups, which are trying to stage a united international front.
Based on statements made by the organizers, as well and independent intelligence, Israel believes the ships taking part in the flotilla will set sail from several ports before forming a convoy in the east waters of the Mediterranean, and heading to Gaza.
From the IMRA facebook page
According to a variety of reports, the flotilla du jur is running into problems.
From YNET:
The flotilla's organizers, it is believed, are finding it hard to meet their goal in regards to the number of ships partaking in the sail. "They want to breach the blockade and think that the more ships they have, the higher their chances of succeeding," a source told Ynet.
The IHH, which organized the first Gaza flotilla, is heavily involved in the second sail, alongside the "Free Gaza" Movement" and the "European Campaign." These three are joined by several smaller groups, which are trying to stage a united international front.
Based on statements made by the organizers, as well and independent intelligence, Israel believes the ships taking part in the flotilla will set sail from several ports before forming a convoy in the east waters of the Mediterranean, and heading to Gaza.
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