Hebron..settlers victim

The violence in Hebron is a never end story. It has started long time ago after the Israeli occupation that took place in 1967. since that time, Israeli authorities took every needed action to enhance and increase the Jewish population and touch by building big settlements and taking many lands that belong to Palestinians by force. When it comes to Hebron, it is always about history and religion for both Jewish and Muslims. The core issue for such conflict is always the old city of Hebron and specifically, the Ibrahim Mosque (according to Jews it is called Abraham cave), which is the heart of the old city. Both sides agree that this place belongs to the prophet Ibrahim (or Abraham). However, both sides claim that the prophet belongs to them. Israeli authorities have already built many settlements in Hebron since 1967 and those settlements are considered as biggest settlements in the West Bank, such as Keryat Arba. In addition, settlers took by force many Palestinian houses inside the old city and created what is known as the Jewish neighbor. Those settlers are mostly trouble makers and they have been abusing the Palestinian population under the protection of the Israeli army. The religious settlers also took by force part of the Ibrahim mosque and turn to a Jewish temple. However, one of the biggest abuse events was the bloody massacre of the Ibrahim Mosque "also called Al- Haram Al – Ibraheme massacre" that was committed by one of Keryat Arba settlers Barokh Goldshtayen in 1995. The settler entered the mosque early morning while the prayers were praying Al – Fajer pray and open shooting on them, killing and injuring most of them. That particular incidence increases hate feelings to those settlers by Palestinians. The sequence of settler's violence against Palestinians in Hebron continued to become a part of the life in Hebron and take so many faces and use hundreds of tools including, burning Palestinians houses, destroying of olive farms, using of guns and weapons against Palestinians, ..etc. recently, the settlers occupied a building in Hebron that belongs to a Palestinian resident by force and kicked out that building residents by force. This incidence took place two weeks ago causing the Palestinians – settlers to reach its fever and resulting in killing of two Palestinians and injuring of tens of them. March last year, in what Israel's High Court of Justice called a quasi-military operation, some 150 students at a yeshiva (a school for Jewish religious study) took over that building on behalf of the settler association. They say it was empty; the owner claims they used force to empty it. Last month the High Court ordered the state authorities to remove the settlers and lock up the building pending a legal ruling on its rightful ownership. That was the main reason behind the conflict fever that was raised recently.

Traveling dream of Gazans

Traveling around for any purpose has become a far away dream for people in Gaza. The story started 2 years ago on 25th June 2006 when the kidnapping incidence of Israeli soldier Shalit took place. After that particular incidence, Israel decided to prevent the European international observers whom were observing the Rafah crossing point according to Rafah crossing agreement that were signed between Israel and PA in September 2005. however, the only window that Gaza has to pass to the world, which is Rafah, was not closed completely. The year 2006 witnessed few opening times coordinated by Egyptian side to allow Palestinian passengers whom came to visit their relatives in Gaza to travel out. Situation had become worse after 14th June 2007 when Hamas took over Gaza Strip ruling. After that date, all parties (PA, Israel, Egypt, and EU) agreed to close Rafah crossing completely claiming that one of the parties, who is PA, is no longer there. All Palestinians in Gaza, including students, sick people, visitors, and others were prevented from traveling out of Gaza Strip. In August 2008, some Palestinian fighters exploded the border wall and made some big holes in it, allowing thousands of Palestinians to cross over and enter Al – Araesh city of Egypt. The situation remained for nearly 10 days with some control and organize by both Egyptians and Hamas police and then it was closed again. Since that time, Rafah crossing was opened few times to allow humanitarian cases, few sick people, and few students to travel. However, thousands of Palestinians are still not allowed to travel, taking into account that Rafah crossing is the only lung that Gaza has to breath. More over, Israeli strong siege ever has make situation more worse, limiting Palestinian options to almost zero, taking into account that only few Palestinians can cross Erez, the Israeli crossing point from Gaza to Israel, whom are only UN and ICRC members and staff, and some of international NGOs members. However, Erez has tend to be a point where used as crossing point for internationals and people whom are not locals. For the time being and perhaps for the near future or even for an unknown period, traveling remains a sort of a dream that may never come true for Gazans.

Israeli assassinations in Israeli eyes

New report published by Ha'aretz, one of the biggest and widely distributed newspapers in Israel, about Israeli army assassinating operations. Report said The Israeli army has been assassinating wanted West Bank Palestinians in spite of the High Court of Justice's guidelines.High-level military officials approved assassinations in the West Bank, "even when it could have been possible to arrest the targets instead," according to the Ha'aretz report. This means of course a sort of a field and quick execution process. Army officers authorized the killings in advance; "in writing, even if innocent bystanders would be killed as well," the report goes on to say. The assassinations policy also runs contrary to what the military had been telling the High Court, "as they were subject only to minimal restrictions" prior to a court ruling that demanded otherwise. Ziad Malaisha, who was killed on 20 June 2007 near Jenin was published in the Israeli newspaper as an example of one such mission. The obtained document, which is a preliminary paper called "Operation Two Towers," details a mission planned by Israeli commander Yair Naveh. Though it insists that "the mission is arrest," the document allows for the army to kill any of three Islamic Jihad members.On 12 April, the same commander approved the killing of just one of the three, as well as "another two people at most." According to a spokesperson for the Israeli army's office, the plans to kill Islamic Jihad members would only be implemented if arrests failed, but that the "alternative is preferable."
Israeli assassination operations had been widely considered as an effective tool against Palestinian activists during second Intefada and resulting in killing big leaders of Palestinian fractions, such as Salah Shehada "former general leader of Al – Qassam brigades, armor arm of Hamas", Ahmad Yassin, Abd Al- Aziz Al – Rantesee "leaders and members of Hamas finders, Abu Ali Mustafa "leader of Al- Jabha Al- Shabyya", and others. During these opertions, many civilian Palestinians including women and children were killed.

such tool or process is usually considered by terrorists, thugs,..etc. However, it is considered by state like Israel that called itself as the only democratic state in its region. what a silly and discasting statement.

Impact of the recent crisis on us

As everyone knows, we’re lying under a very strong Israeli closure that has badly affected our life as Palestinians as well as our work here in Gaza. For nearly 20 days, nothing is allowed to enter Gaza Strip even the basic needs. Shortage has occurred in all levels and touched every single detail of our life. Main shortage is occurring in food and power supplies. Due to the absence of industrial fuel, the only power plant in Gaza is shut down since 10 days, leaving more than 50% of Gaza Strip areas without any power supply. Population in Gaza city, which is the biggest in Gaza Strip (around 550,000 capita) and the most influenced and infected population with this crisis, have electricity supply for 2-3 hours a day. Due to that condition, water supply, which is directly linked to power supply, suffer huge shortage and people in Gaza city receive water one time a week for less than 6 hours, taking into account that you may have electricity supply but at the same time have no water or the opposite. For the multi-story and high building, it is a disaster because once you don’t have electricity then for sure you have no water.
When it comes to crisis, Gaza people have good experience in facing such problems and difficulties. However, this time it seems that it is away beyond their capabilities. They have even stopped receiving any external aids from UNRWA or any other agencies due to the shortage that UNRWA and other agencies’ stocks suffer. Due to the shortage in cooking gas and flora, all bakeries in Gaza city are closed and there is no more bread available for the people to buy except those who have some flora and make it at their houses. I’m trying to draw a general image about the situation in Gaza but even from the work point of view, our work in the office had been tremendously affected by the current circumstances. We have stopped our usual habit of having breakfast together at office because of the absence of the bread as well as Falafel and other usual food stuff which we use to have. Today, one of my colleague suggested that we can eat some fruits. I went to the fruit shop and tried to buy some apples but I found out that the price has doubled and became very expensive. Our office hours had been reduced due to the shortage of electricity to reach 3-4 hours a day. Even if we’ve electricity that does not mean that we have internet connection, especially for members like me whom are using PC and not laptop. Experiencing such hard circumstances is not new for us but to be honest, this time is the hardest one.

Gaza facing hard days ever

It had been 20 days now since Israel decided to put its strong closure ever on Gaza Strip. For the first time in its history, Gaza suffers huge shortage in all basic needs. Nothing had entered Gaza Strip during this period except some few trucks once 10 days ago for UNRWA. Situation has badly developed in terms of food and other supplies. All bakeries in Gaza city are closed due to the absence of flora. Population in Gaza city (around 550,000) are the most infected and influenced population among Gaza Strip population in other areas. Population in Gaza city receives electricity 2 or 3 hours a day. Linking to the power supply, water supply, especially for multi-story and high buildings, is 4-6 hours a week. Water and sanitation facilities are badly operating and their components can suffer huge catastrophe at any moment. Hospitals and medical care centers suffer from shortage in power supply all the time. Many patients face the danger and risk of death at any moment due to their need of using relying on medical equipments, especially those in intensive care units. All international NGOs and UN are worried about the situation and have declared many times that this closure must end and they made many coordination and contact with Israel to make the Israeli re-determine and re-consider their strong and hard actions which are considered as collective punishment to the Palestinians in Gaza. However, Israel has not shown any flexibility in dealing with Gaza Strip and claims all the time that its lands and people security are threatened. Few reports did mention that Palestinian fractions had received an Egyptian offer to keep the truce and stop launching rockets on Israeli nearby cities for the price offered by Israelis to re-open trading crossing points as they were before 20 days. However, it does not seem that such offer is validated or agreed yet. The situation is badly deteriorating and its results and outcomes are unpredictable and no one knows what would be the coming scenario of the coming days.

Gaza under more stricky closure conditions

After more than 10 days of full closure of the Gaza Strip crossing points, unconfirmed reports said that nearly 33 aid trucks carrying humanitarian equipment, food and medications will be let to enter into the Gaza Strip. The mentioned trucks are all UNRWA aids. These reports were published by Israeli media outlets Monday morning despite an earlier decision by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak to keep crossings closed. Barak gave the order late Sunday evening, after trucks carrying medical supplies and emergency food were turned away from Gaza crossings.
Israeli sources reported that the Defense Minister had instructed the Israeli border guards and military establishment in control of the Gaza Strip to keep the goods crossings closed on Monday.
Sunday saw a series of homemade projectile launches executed by Palestinian resistance factions towards Israeli targets, though no injuries on the Israeli side were reported. Early in the day Israeli air forces carried out an air raid killing four activists, and in the early evening explosions were heard in Gaza, though the Israeli army denied any further strikes. However, despite all the media of retaliation, says of all involved parties claimed that everyone is concern to keep the truce and not to keep going on military and violence actions.

Truce in Gaza & elections in Israel

It seems that Israeli army is on the way to breakdown the truce that was agreed with Palestinian fractions in Gaza. Early morning yesterday, Israeli forces killed four Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip near the town of Al-Qarara on Wednesday, medics on confirmed. Medics said they found the bodies of four-Hamas affiliated fighters in the area. Witnesses said Israeli warplanes fired two missiles during fighting between the armed men and Israeli tanks who had invaded. One missile was fired at a mosque, and the other exploded near a school, where the fighters were located. Other witnesses reported that three missiles landed near houses belonging to two families named Aal Muhanna and An-Naja, and another landed near the Al-Islah mosque. This operation was part of an Israeli incursion that took place on Wednesday, as Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers invaded east of Al-Qarara, sparking clashes with Palestinian fighters. Witnesses said the invading forces are approached houses approximately 300 meters away from the border line. Israeli military sources claimed that they had thwarted an attempt by Palestinians to cross the border fence near the Kisufim crossing and plant a bomb. The military also said that three mortar shells and an explosive device were fired at Israeli forces in the area.Israeli military vehicles often patrol a 150-meter "buffer zone" inside the Strip's eastern border, usually avoiding direct clashes with Palestinian fighters. Such operation will surly through the truce into question, taking into account that another operation was made few days ago and the Israeli killed 5 Hamas members during it to the east of Deir Al – Balah area. It may look like such operations are made to empower some of Israeli leaders who are willing to win the coming Israeli elections. Palestinian card is been used in every Israeli elections and this one of course is not an exception. Such operations send messages to the people of Israel that include some certain names to be chosen and voted for as the most bloody and aggressive Israeli leaders. No one knows what would be the outcome of such operations; will it be the end of the calm and truce? Or they're just minor incidences that both sides can leave behind.

Gaza in the Dark again

Gaza has gone dark yesterday evening. The crisis of the fuel shortage is repeating itself but this time is related only to the only power plant that Gaza has. For one week, only 40% of the needed industrial fuel that is needed to operate the power plant had been supplied by the Israeli side through Nahl Oz fuel transfer point. This means that power plant is running at only 40% of its regular capacity for almost a week officials warned that power outages could follow. Palestinian officials said that the electrical current is been cut off for about 30% of Gaza Strip population. According to them, within 18 hours the power plant will completely stop leaving Gaza city without any electrical supply and leaving nearly 600,000 capita with no electricity. The other main source of electricity is the Israeli electrical company that supplies nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip needs. However, transmission lines and transformers on the Gaza Strip side are suffering huge deterioration, as the shortage in spare parts is huge due to the closure circumstances. This leads to instability and non-uniform cutting of the current for long hours during the day in many areas of Gaza Strip (mainly eastern and southern parts of Gaza Strip.

When the sun set in Gaza on Sunday the Strip was plunged into darkness and no electric lights illuminated Gazan cityscapes. The sounds of small generators were heard around the city so main roads and shops could continue to function. Humanitarian impacts of such situation are huge. 90% of water supplies in Gaza Strip depend on electricity that is provided by the power plant. In addition, sewage pump stations and treatment plants are also depending on power plant supply which means big threats of collapse of the exhausted water and sanitation facilities along Gaza Strip may occur and a catastrophe is on its way to Gaza.

Another boat left Gaza

Another boat has come and gone yesterday from Gaza. Some activists including one parliment member, who is Mostafa Al - Barghouti, was among those who came to break the Gaza seige. Try after try to do so but even though, the siege is still there and the suffering has not ended yet. In addition, all tries were not arabian, even if many of the comers on the boat were arabian. The boat sailed from Europe and it is owned by European. It is a shame that arabs are not ready yet to make such move or even allow to make it from their lands. No body knows for how long they will wait; is it until certian number of people to die (they've have already exceeded 230 in numbers) or may be until the people in Gaza stop screaming or shouting and just die peacefully and quitly. What should the people in Gaza do? should they pray for more rain to fall and more flooding to come so that Gaza sink in the sea and disappear? It seems that those whom are facing very hard situation in Gaza, which is beyond their abilities as human, have nothing to do but diying or working to die so that everybody in this world feel better. Hundreds of promises were given to those poor people that no one would allow the situation in Gaza to badly developed or become a humanitarian crisis. However, it has reached the point of having not one but many crisis at the same time. The promises had been made by arabs, Europeans,..etc, but no one could keep his word and the result is nearly one year and half of such siege that could be partially broken through tunnels and smoglling of goods through them from the Egyptian side.

Surviving Gaza flooding

It was a heavy rain morning when I woke up yesterday and decided to go to work. I live in Khanyounis governorate, in the south district of Gaza Strip; specifically in the north-eastern part of Khanyounis. I woke up early that morning after a very stormy and rainy night. However, I discovered that the heavy rain has just begun when I woke up around 6:45 am.

I could only leave the house after 2 hours when the rain stop. Any way I needed to walk in the flooded streets in my area for 5 minutes in order to reach Salah El-Deen road, which is the main road that connect all Gaza Strip governorates. A cap stopped then to let me ride and start the sailing trip towards Gaza city.

I called it "sailing trip" because I found that the road was completely flooded and huge amount of water waves were flowing over. Many cars were stack in the middle of the small lakes that could be noticed all over the road. Tens of people were waiting along the road to get a cap or a bus so that they could reach their offices, universities, businesses, etc. For me, it was the first time in my life to experience such situation and see such scene. I called many of my friends who work in the field of water and sanitation in the municipalities and other agencies; they were screaming that the situation is completely over their capacities and abilities, taking into account the closure circumstances in Gaza Strip. In all meanings and for the first time in my life, Gaza is slowly sinking and with more rain to come no one knows what would happen.

How to travel from Gaza?

Actually, this is a million dollar question that has no answer since June 2006, the day when the Israeli soldier Gelat Shaleet was kidnapped through a military operation for the Palestinian resistance. Since that time, getting out of Gaza or getting in had become a sort of a Mission Impossible", perhaps Tom Cruz can assist or even make a movie to show us how it could be possible to do so. For more than 2 years, traveling for Gazaians has become a dream. The only available crossing point to travel is Rafah crossing point which was open only 30 times during the last 2 years. Everybody is stuck in Gaza. Sick people, students, ordinary traveler, and anyone is not allowed to travel unless he/she is very lucky to pass during one of the openings that occur one or two time a month. However, you must have strong reason to travel, taking into account that even if you have strong reason to travel no one can guarantee that you are going to pass. This does not require luck only; you need to go and register your name in the Ministry of Internal affairs first and then wait for your name to appear in their traveling list. After that, I mean if your name is in the list, you need to take the first chance of the opening and go for it, taking into account that in that day there will be thousands of people willing to get the same opportunity. In addition, if you're lucky enough to cross, you still need to be luckier to get the approval of the Egyptians to cross as there are hundreds of incidences where people could pass the Palestinian side and Egyptians returned them back without showing any particular reason. Recently, new requirement had been raised due to the conflict between Ramallah government and Gaza government, it is the passport issue. For more than 6 months before now, no passports documents were sent fro Ramallah. Gaza did not receive its regular share because of the conflict. Therefore, another obstacle had occurred. 1 month ago, president Abbas had announced personally that Ramallah will continue sending passports as usual to Gaza. However, Ramallah government ignored that surprisingly and continued to do so. People in Gaza are of course the main victim of all of this. All human rights centers and associations in and outside Gaza have been and still shouting in the media and even begging everyone to solve all these pending issues but nobody is listening. On the Egyptian side, no one cares about Gaza (on the governmental level of course). Egyptians have announced hundreds of times that they will never fail the people in Gaza or let them dawn. However, all the Egyptians actions were minor and had no effective impacts on people's life in Gaza. For how long the current situation will continue, no one knows or even predicts, and the people in Gaza have nothing to do but waiting for a miracle to happen to end up their suffering.

2nd Ramdan in Gaza under the siege

The holly month of Ramadan has come for the 2nd time and yet Gaza is still under the siege. Shortage that occurs in everything has reflected the daily life of Palestinians, especially during the holly month of Ramadan. However, the low income that most of people suffer from due to the difficulties for people to get opportunity to work had also affected their usual shopping that use to extend during this month. Many Palestinians use to prepare themselves for Omra journey during the last ten days of Ramadan. However, due to the closure of Rafah crossing point, it is impossible to travel out of Gaza or even think about traveling where the Omra become more a luxury thing comparing to the need of hundreds of sick people and students to travel. Meanwhile, all hopes of breaking such strong closure tend to be dissipating, as the circumstances remain the same. Any way, life train does not stop and whether you like it or not, it continues to move and run from stop to stop without any consideration to the passengers. The only objective is delivering them to end of their journey. People here are forced to live the nightmare with hope and trust of the God that one day they weak up to find out that the nightmare has gone and they gain back their usual life and dreams. no one but God knows when this is going to happen and no one but him knows whether if there is any possible end for the Palestinian suffer either in the near or the far future. However, the people will never stop hopping or trusting the God whom they know that he is going to reward them for their patient and acceptance of the custody that he decides for them

Breaking of Gaza seige Ships

Finally, the two brave ships are in Gaza after the struggle of those brave people who come to support Gazaians and break the siege. It is very remarkable to see a foreign ship in Gaza wharf after more than 40 years. It is also remarkable that for the first time Israelis are not the side who decides who to enter or not to enter a Palestinian territory, which is of course unique when it comes to Gaza. No coordination, no crossing points involvements, and any Israeli touch or desire at all with regard to such an issue. The first moment of the arrival was very emotional and unique. This how the freedom tests; a Palestinian said, the siege is breakable it requires only some will, work and hope; another one said. From the reality point of view, it might be just an incidence that may never occur. However, it may be also something that can encourage peace activists and anti-occupation people to do more. It is simply watching a dream coming true with all humanity meanings.

On the other hand, it was very sad for the Palestinians to see some Europeans making such remarkable and brave move while their own Arab brothers are just watching the Palestinians dieing without doing anything to end up their suffer. Those Palestinians wish to see some Arab ship coming to do so. However, it seems that those Palestinian are waiting for a comer who will never come or tends to be not coming in the near future at least. Freedom and Gaza free ships are most welcome in Gaza. In fact, people in Gaza respect more than anyone in the world. Those real friends of Gazaians have proven their intention and willing to translate words and speeches by actions, real actions; not promising or crying with lying tears.

The release of old Palestinian Prisoner Saed Al - Ataba

It took 32 years to taste the freedom. It took 32 years to reach the moment where the whole Bethlehem and Palestine as well to give a hug to the 57 years old Saed Al Ataba, the Palestinian prisoner who was released yesterday from the Israeli prison. Saed was arrested in 1977 and judged by an Israeli court with Life imprisonment punishment. During that time, Said was still young and was 26 years old only. However, he is now 57 years old but filled with hope and challenge. He has proven that there is always hope despite all hard times failure or fall, there is always a moment of success and glory. Although Said had been released with some other prisoners, there still thousands of Palestinian prisoners waiting to have the same moment of freedom. Saed said if the people once will to have the life, the custody will respond, a say by one of the famous Arab poet Abu Al – Qasem Al- Shabi. All over the sixty years of the Israeli occupation, thousands of Palestinians were arrested and put in Israeli prisons. Some of them released and more are still there behind bars seeking and hoping to see an end for their suffering and have at least one hug with their beloved sons, wives, daughters, mothers, and fathers before death. Palestinians have paid and still paying very high price for taking one Israeli soldier in a military operation as prisoner. Tens of their elected parliament members (including the head of the parliament himself) were arrested. Tens of Israeli raids were made. Huge of collective punishment were used by Israelis and all this continue to make the life of the Palestinians as hard as possible. Considering all of that, what would be the suitable price for Israel to pay for all of this, taking into account the arresting of more than 11,000 of Palestinians half of them are kids

What is the Better for the Palestinians future??

What a question is that. It is actually the most important question that every Palestinian asks, no matter who is the responsible for answering such a question and yet no one can even give a hint about the possible answer. Let’s try to answer the question. It might be useful to use the trail and error method or let’s say the assumptions point of view. The first assumption will be: Hamas destroyed or forced to leave the scene or even agrees peacefully to leave the government for Fatah and Abbas. Will that solve the problem and bring good life to the Palestinian? Let’s take the West Bank senario as an example. Hamas has nothing in West Bank interns of authority and power. However, people there still suffer of many many things that are not related to Hamas at all. Israeli daily incursions, arresting, building occupying, hundreds of road blocks and searching, and many bad things including of course settlements and settlers and the Wall. Fatah and Abbas have the full control and power and even have very good relationship with Israeli leaders. Abbas meets Olmert almost every 2 or maximum 3 weeks. They talk and have launch or dinner together. However, no progress in their negotiations and no change at all take place on Palestinians life in West Bank. So, base on this example, if Fatah regain what it loses in Gaza, the same scenario may occur and then what is the difference and why should we say the answer is Hamas should leave the scene for the good of the Palestinians future. The second assumption will be Fatah leaves the scene in the West Bank for Hamas. Base on the current scenario of Gaza that suffers the siege and the very deteriorated life and economy because of Hamas presence (according to Israel, USA, and Quartet), we expect that West Bank may face the same, taking in account that Israel will never allow this to happen and in that case Israel may took over the civilian administration of the West Bank as well as the military administration (which is already taken by Israeli army). So the conclusion will be there is no comfortable or brightening scenario that may result from full control of Hamas alone or Fatah alone. This takes us to the third assumption, which is very optimistic, united leadership from both Hamas and Fatah rules and take place. We have also experience such a thing during the eleventh government, which were established according to Mecca agreement few months before Hamas took over Gaza. In that time, Hamas and Fatah were both in the same ship but again the major players Israel and USA and Quartet found it less than enough to end up the siege and support the Palestinians the same way they used to do before Hamas entering the scene. However, in all meanings, the Palestinians were feeling a bit comfortable despite the bad life they live under the siege because of the unity of both big parties. So, back to our million dollar question, the third assumption might be the suitable answer even if it doesn’t mean that Palestinians would have the life that they always dream of without occupation or Israeli touch.

Is Fatah or Hamas??

It is sad to see the Palestinians fighting each other rather than fighting their only enemy is Israel; that is a fact. The former allies have become enemies. However, that does not mean that both sides are in the same position. Before we judge anyone, we should return back to the near history when Hamas won the election. That was the turning point when everyone in the world directly (USA& the Quartet) or indirectly (the EU and Arabs) tried to isolate Hamas whereas that isolation led to isolating the whole people in Gaza and West Bank. Fatah was part of this anti lobbying that was established against Hamas not because of its worry about the people but for one reason; to gain the authority and positions that were lost to Hamas. More deep, Fatah started hardening everything and agreed to become a tool to be used to make Hamas fall. This of course led to hard struggling of Hamas to hold and keep what it gained and of course fight everyone including Fatah for that. Fatah even agreed to stand on Israel side and fight together Hamas and that is why most of Palestinians see them as spies and old deteriorated leadership. That does not mean that Hamas is not responsible for what we have in here but comparing to what Fatah did it is almost nothing. Considering all of this, Israel did not act from the humanitarian point of view when it agreed to have the escaped Fatah members 3 days ago; why because simply Israel had put a siege on Gaza for more than 14 months. More than 230 persons whom were old men and women and kids died because they were sick and were prevented by Israel from traveling to get the medical treatment which they needed to live. For one particular reason which had even mentioned by the Israelis; it was because those escapers fought Hamas and Israel welcome anyone who fights or even fought against Hamas. So it is never about humanity but it is about politic. No one cares about people or their suffering and how it can be solved or even decreased. Everybody outside cares about how to force the Palestinian leaders in both sides to fit with his own agenda no matter what it cost, no matter what it takes, and despite all the high price that the Palestinians are paying just to stay alive and survive.

Gaza Today

Gaza today has an indescribable face. For more than a week and since the beach blast that killed five Hamas fighters, rapid events and incidences took place and drawn our memories back to the incidences that happened 1 year ago when Hamas took over Gaza from Fatah security forces. Hamas had accused Fatah with blast, claiming that Fatah had some ties to previous blasts that happen in Gaza recently. Tens of Fatah men and charity associations were arrested and invented by Hamas police in Gaza. It seemed that Hamas wanted to show its power and the pay back price for everyone inside and outside Fatah when it comes to security of Gaza. Fatah, therefore, tried to get its revenge but in West Bank, as it still has the power. Fatah security forces arrested and kidnapped tens of Hamas members including some very well-known leaders and even mayors. Many of lecturers and doctors of Hamas were also kidnapped and hold in prisons for the sake of Fatah revenge. Early in the morning today, Hamas has what it tends to be the last battle with one of the biggest and powerful families of Gaza city that called Helles. This family had many conflicts with Hamas before due to the fact that most of this family members are Fatah. The story started 3 days ago when Hamas asked this family to hand some of wanted people whom are hold and protected by this family. The Helles family refused and decided to face Hamas with its gunmen. However, some of talks and negotiations took place between them but it failed to achieve anything. The situation had tremendously exploded today and Hamas had made its decision to force this family to surrender and hand up the wanted people.
Another interesting incidence took place 10 minutes ago. Hamas had announced that it released the well-known Fatah leaders in Gaza as a reply for what Fatah had done yesterday by releasing seven of Hamas leaders in West Bank. No body knows how this conflict between Hamas and Fatah would end or whether if it is going to develop and continue to have the war shape or it might be a sort of the beginning of the end for it. It may take so long for everyone to understand that the real war of the Palestinians is the war of liberation and fighting the Israelis to gain back the Palestinian rights and lands. Until that happen, the Palestinian situation will remain unstable and lurching despite all the suffering of the Palestinians due to Israeli occupation.

The world without GAZA

It an interesting statement. I have been thinking, what would be the shape of the world without Gaza. Let's see then. From the population point of view, the earth's population will decrease with 1 million and half. Israel will not need to keep its army on alert all the time. Its borders with Gaza will be very very quit without any need to negotiate with Hamas through Egypt because there will be no Hamas. No more rockets will be launched toward Sderot or Asqalan "in Hebrew it is Ashkelon". Nobody will be shouting or screaming or seeking for the help of the whole world that is just watching Gaza collapsing and dieing. No need for the siege to continue any more from the Israeli side. Lots of NOs I guess. The NOs that Israel likes and wishes. I still remember the say of the former priminister Rabin who said " I wish that one day I wake up and found out that Gaza is drown in the sea". So if it might happen, then it means for sure that the dreams of Israel will come true. In fact the situation in Gaza gives you a feeling that the whole world "in terms of governments and officials" have the same dream or wants this situation to end up but without involving in any kind of fair solution that stops Israel from continuing in put the most heavy siege in the history. Most of the governments in the world (especially USA, EU, and even some Arabs) are weeping or even crying but with crocodile tears (an Arabic expression that shows how someone would be such hypocrite) for the suffering of the people in Gaza, the increasing number of sick people whom are dieing everyday due to medicine and treatment missing, the tens of daily crisis which they face in terms of every single life detail. 2 days ago, I hardly could found pampers for me son. It seems very silly but just let's imagine our life without almost all ordinary items that we can easily find in any market allover the world, why? Because these items can be used for making rockets. Even international NGOs (which are not Palestinian) are facing huge problems in doing their humanitarian duties to assist and help the people. So, back to the dream stuff and to the title of my article; what would be the shape of the world without Gaza. This is just an Israeli dream which the Israeli started having it 60 years ago, I mean having not only Gaza but all Palestine without Palestinians, having the world without this Gaza thing. I believe Gaza will remain the nightmare of Israeli unless they change their policy and start thinking with their brains, not with their force and guns. As someone who lives in Gaza and had gone through the suffering that is totally Israeli made, I would recommend the Israeli to try something else rather than doing their best to make us give up and force us to do what we don't want to do. However, I may give them a promise on behalf of all Gazaians that things will change one day and you will bow and plead us not make you pay for what have you done to our life and dreams.

the Internet access story

this is the first time for me to write on my blog from my house. Why? because I didn't have internet access but now you have. It is something very silly, I mean we are in 2008 and I don't have internet. It is linked to the political situation of Gaza Strip. let's get back a bit to the near past, specifically 1 and half year ago; I moved with my small family to our new house which we just finish its first floor. I settled and start applying to get a telephone and an internet access as well. Suddenly, things changed, Hamas took over and controlled Gaza Strip. Due to that, every single window for Gaza to the outer world was closed. Sometimes I thing that even the birds have to get permission from Israel to enter Gaza (luckily they don't have to). So, since that time, no materials entered Gaza (except food and some basic needs) and my internet connections required some poles and cables that were and still missing from the local market. Therefore, I waited for more than one year until I managed to buy a wireless antenna device and put it in my friend's house (which is nearby my house) and then I got the signal and the internet. It cost me some money but I'm happy to have the internet in my house without waiting til the Israelis allow the drags, oh sorry, I mean the needed materials for living and having internet to enter Gaza..

Gaza..after 1 month & half of the TRUCE

Today is the last day of the week. Wow, Thursdays, I like them. It is the weekend that comes after a tiring week, filled with work and excitement as well. This is on the personal level. Generally, the situation in Gaza had not improved that much. Regarding the crossing points and materials which are allowed to enter Gaza, there is a slight change. However, the impact of this minor change is not that big and very insignificant. Some additional fuel quantities, some goods like clothes and shoes, some Israeli juice, so and so, some of the some which is very unsatisfying. Just imagine, for one year, there was nothing entering except the basic needs (according to Israeli identification, not according to those that are described or identified by everyone in the world except the Israeli); then suddenly, something that is very close to the nothing is entering. The Israelis have started complaining, why those Palestinians are still shouting? We have allowed many types of materials that were not allowed to enter, for example we have sent them 2000 tons of cement in a week. Imagine again, we have zero quantities of cement for one year and now we received 2000 tons in a week, whereas, we use to consume according to our ordinary need about 2000 tons a day before the closure. Everyone in Gaza has started questioning the truce and whether the Israelis in the settlements whom are close to Gaza northern borders deserve to get their normal life back for the very minor improve that we have in Gaza. Isn't it fair enough when we get our normal life back and having what we need normally if they (Israelis) have? Or they're considered as human and we're not? What should we do in Gaza to convince the Israeli and the whole world that we're human and we deserve to have normal life. By the way, I just wanted to add something, those materials, which are allowed to enter or even those that are not allowed, are not sent to us freely…. We pay for that..these are not aids…

interesting future plans

It is just a very crowded working day. I arrived to the office early in the morning. I had some time to check my email and then I made a move outside the office, as I had to attend some meetings at several places. I went to the ministry of transportation to help my organization in getting some fuel through some personal contacts that I have there. It is a bit silly but in Gaza it is considered as accomplishment or an achievement when you get some fuel quantities. Any way, it was like that. I went back to the office to finish up some work. I checked my email and discovered that there are some interesting things from my boss in Jerusalem. I asked him to help me in getting a scholarship to do my PhD in Europe and I found out that he has chosen me to attend a one week training program in Paris to be conducted next September. It is amazing for me as this is going to be the first time for me to go to Paris, especially during such circumstances of the siege that Gaza is facing. I hope that I can make it and go there………

Meetings day

Well, the office time is about to end up. I'm preparing myself to switch off my PC and make a move to the south. It was a working day that filled with meetings and work but unfortunately, I'm not going back home because I have a meeting at the engineers syndicate after 2 hours. I prepared my stomach and filled it with a Shawerma sandwich, as I'm not going to eat until the evening. However, I feel full at the moment and I'm not expecting to feel hungry soon.
I'm planning to go to Rafah tomorrow in a site visit to follow up the project that I'm responsible for................that is it for today

electricity disaster

I mentioned last time in my previous post that I have video taped something about al-quds issue for the BBC Arabic to be shown in their live program. I was rushing in early in the morning to upload my video file and send it to the BBC Arabic by email. Unfortunately, our server was down in the office. I went down to our neighbors Coopi, an italian NGO, and I used one of their PC to sent my email but their server was down. What a day, I was saying to myself; it seemed that I won't make it. However, I didn't give up; I went back to my desk and by that time our server works proably and finally I was able to send my email. Lately in the afternoon, I went back home after more half an hour of waiting to get a public taxi to return back to my house and another half an hour for the trip back home. Again, it was not my lucky day. I arrived to my father-in low's house, as my wife was there and I was invited to have my launch there and guess what, there was no electricity at home. I felt very sad, as I couldn't watch the program live and see my video tape on the BBC channel. Any way, I waited until the next day to download the program show from the BBC Arabic website and here I am downloading it.............

BBC Arabic stuff

I have had an ordinary working day yesterday. However, there was something special in it. Let me tell the story first. I always visit the BBC Arabic website and their discussion topics attract me. They usually put a certain topic for discussion and attracting people to write comments about it. Afterward, they show everything on their satellite channel every Wednesday. This time, the topic was about Al - Quds and its situation. I put a comment about it and it attracts the moderator of the website. He called 3 times yesterday requesting for a video taped participation from me. I was very glad and I waited the whole night until the electricity came back (it was a usual cut off) and I asked my wife to use our digital camera to video tape my participation. It was an interesting thing actually and I can't wait to watch today in the TV, as they will show it in their program live.

changing of dreams

Sometimes, your dreams changed from creativity and imagination affair to become a sort of life making. It is difficult to understand such a thing, that is right, but it is possible to experience it. Let me give an example. People usually dream of becoming rich or getting the most beautiful girl in the world or even more, these are common dreams, let's name it like this, but in Gaza, you are forced to change your dreams. In Gaza, you may dream of having some fuel or some extra hours of electricity or if you are more optimistic, you may dream of having coca cola. You may not believe it but that is how the occupation deteriorates your dreams and minimizes them. Few years back, we were dreaming of liberating and freedom. Now we're dreaming of getting back what we use to call normal life (not like other people, for us normal life is our life 8 years ago, under occupation but with some calm and a bit comfort circumstances). However, occupation is doing its best to make the situation even worse. The Israelis are not satisfied with all the suffering which they cause to us, they still hungry to make it more difficult and almost impossible to survive. It is true that all people in Gaza are living in a big prison with some food and drinks and that is it. It is true that most of people feel dispirit and hopeless. Even though, life proceeds and continues with its pain and joy. Despite all of that, we the Palestinians, will always have hope and will always force the life to fit with our dreams.

Ordinary Working Day

It is just an ordinary day of work. I came to the office today but I was a bit late due to the transportation crisis that is linked to the fuel crisis of course. It took more than one hour to reach the office. Any way, I arrived to the office and started my work in a classic manner. We had a small general meeting. All departments and colleagues joined it. Before preceding more on the work stuff, I will explain a bit about our work and organization as well. Our organization is an international humanitarian NGO that provide relief for people whom are suffering due to natural disasters or manmade crisis (war zone for example). Our organization is called Action Against Hunger International Network ACFIN. It was found in 1979 in Paris. It has developed to have 4 Main or HQ offices allover the world, each HQ covers relief operations in different parts of the world. The four HQs are New York HQ, Madrid HQ (which covers relief in Palestine), London HQ, Canada HQ, and the mother HQ in Paris. We provide relief through two core programs, Water & Sanitation program and Food security program. I like my work because it has a humanitarian face. Besides, I receive good salary and I get good experience and knowledge towards improving my abilities. Furthermore, my entire career will have an international touch which everyone wish to have.
That's it for now.....

how to survive in Gaza

How to survive in Gaza?...it is a question that you have to answer if you're in Gaza...why? because everything around you have been settled and designed to take your life away from you or at least to make it impossible for you to live...
what are the basic needs for the life to continue nowadays?I mean in any place in the earth, what do you need to live??????
let's list the important things down and check their availability in Gaza?
1- food and water are very essential...(they're available but guess what...food is available but only through aids from outside, water is available but for few hours a day and with bad quality because of its salinity)
2- Electricity...(again it is available but for half of the day only and with low voltage..it reaches 170 volte sometimes).
3- Transportation..(wow good point...cars, buses,...etc are available but they simply zip the pessengers and always overloaded because of the fuel crisis).
4- Safety...(will it depends on where you live..is it near the borders?in this case you may die at any moment...if you live somewhere else...it may not mattar that much because of the flys in the sky which we call them Israeli Appatchi...they may hunt you at any time)..
5- Hospitals and midical services (wow...no doubts, if you're sick now then for sure you're unlucky at all, especially if you have chronic disease because the situation is simply designed for you take this chance and die..it is easier according to everyone outside Gaza)..
6- Other Goods...(clothes, shoes,...anything you may think that it might be needed is simply not available or it is available but with high prices...
what do you think??????????is it possible to live easily in Gaza or it has become a survival story???