Gaza: Residents deprived of critical medications and medical care

By late September, 36% of necessary supplies were lacking, compared to 25% in 2010. The Israeli embargo of the Gaza Strip, which began in 2007, together with years of financial crisis within the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and the chronic lack of cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Gaza authorities, have caused harm and threaten Gaza’s health system and its patients. Last spring, drug companies stopped supplying the Palestinian Authority. The situation, which had been worsening steadily for several years, deteriorated further in 2011 and has reached an alarming level. As Israeli bombs struck the Gaza Strip in mid-August, local health authorities called on international aid actors working in the area for help. Since that time, they have asked for donations on a regular, long-term basis. However, no humanitarian actor – including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – has the financial and/or logistical resources to provide the drugs and medical supplies needed by the Territory’s health facilities.

Over 26% of Palestinian Children Live in Poverty, says PCBS

RAMALLAH, November 17, 2011 (WAFA) – Over 26% of Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip lived below the poverty level in 2010, according to a new release by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) published Thursday marking the International Child Day. It said poverty average among Palestinian households according to patterns of consumption was 21.4% in 2010, divided into 16% in the West Bank and 31.9% in Gaza Strip. Children who are suffering from poverty form the proportion of 26.9% out of all children, divided into 19% in the West Bank and 38.4% in Gaza Strip. Poverty among Gaza households who have children was 53.8% of the total poor households who have children compared to 46.2% in the West Bank.

http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=18035



In early November, the Gisha Legal Center for Freedom of Movement published a report titled, “Scale of Control: Israel’s Continued Responsibility in the Gaza Strip.” It explained little changed after its alleged 2005 “disengagement.” A 2007 Gisha report titled, “Disengaged Occupiers: The Legal Status of Gaza” argued that as an occupying power, Israel’s obligations continue. Its new publication updates it. Despite Israel claiming no further responsibility, it exercises full control of Gaza’s airspace, waters, borders, territory, infrastructure, power, and more. It collects customs and value added taxes for imported goods, conducts regular incursions, excludes most exports, and maintains a physical presence.

Land theft and destruction / Ethnic cleansing / Palestinian culture & history

Under the proposal, Israel’s construction and housing minister would be obligated to publish annual tenders for construction in West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Today I appreciate the Jerusalem Post’s Benjamin Spier for his video coverage (above) that begins with his saying, “If Rosa Parks could have called a press conference, it would have looked something like this,” as well as referencing the Freedom Riders as “Freedom Riders” and interviewing stellar and brave Huwaida Arraf and Badee’ Dwaik. It thrills me to no end to hear their voices. I love hearing Palestinian voices, the universal voice of sumud against the oppressor, a voice they own like none other in our time.

Hollywood groups visit Israel and PA to learn about conflict CCH Pounder (“Avatar” ) was the only member of the group who said she encountered opposition to her visit here – in her case, from South African friends. Schiff, for his part, was upset upon leaving the hotel to encounter a small group of demonstrators holding signs telling the actors they should be ashamed of themselves and denouncing Israel’s “apartheid” policies.

Anti

Poland’s growing Palestine movement faces anti-Semitism smears, Ewa Jasiewicz Despite attacks and slander, the Palestine solidarity movement in Poland is pushing ahead and is able to influence media coverage and popular education on Palestine.

The Israeli housing and construction ministry has published tenders inviting those interested to bid for the construction of 5000 new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.

ADL promotes conspiracy theories to undermine support for Palestine at Occupy Wall Street, Ali Abunimah

In an move reminiscent of anti-Semitic attacks on Jews in America’s past, the ADL is seeking to isolate and cast suspicion on supporters of Palestinian rights at Occupy Wall Street.

http://electronicintifada.net/blog/ali-abunimah/adl-promotes-conspiracy-theories-undermine-support-palestine-occupy-wall-street Israel seeks minorities, gays for propaganda effortsby communications

The Israeli government hopes to draw attention away from its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and ongoing human rights abuses by recruiting minorities and members of the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual (LGBT) community to conduct “public diplomacy” and to “sell Israel as a democracy”

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/news/3909-israel-seeks-minorities-gays-for-propaganda-efforts

Heritage / Culture