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A year since the Israeli invasion of Gaza
Published: 31 December, 2009, 11:34
Edited: 21 January, 2010, 10:34
Israel, Israel-Gaza Border: Israeli tanks take position on the northern border with the Gaza Strip on December 31, 2008. (AFP Photo / Jack Guez)
(14.5Mb) embed videoTAGS: Conflict, Middle East, Protest, Gaza Stories, USA
For many, New Year’s Eve is a time to reminisce and celebrate, but for some people it is a time to protest, mourn, and bring attention to the plight of others across the world.
Protesters have gathered on a cold Washington DC street corner on a freezing night, marking a year since Operation Cast Lead began.
Though a ceasefire was reached, these people argue that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still raging.
Elise Springuel, one of the protesters, believes: “Things need to change – what’s happening now is deplorable. It’s one of the greatest human rights issues in the world and it’s been completely ignored by most of the media.”
It is ignored by the media and, the demonstrators say, ignored by governments – including the US.
Operation Cast Lead
A three-week military assault, which killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
But the situation is not ignored by people like those taking part in similar protests around the world.
At the border between Gaza and Egypt, demonstrators try to get into Gaza to join a larger rally,
calling for the crossing to be opened and essential supplies allowed to reach the people. Israel imposed an economic blockade on Gaza after Hamas maintained control of the region in 2007.
After Operation Cast Lead, the situation became worse. Now people in the area can’t get all they need – food, medicaments or fuel.
For those whose families are living in Gaza, this rally means more than showing support.
Nehed Qedin, a Gazan protester, is concerned about the situation: “Right now there is no financial aid getting in. No food, no medicine…nothing is getting in.”
A diverse crowd came out on the streets of Washington DC to call for peace and to lift the blockade. It included Palestinians, but also Israelis, Jews, and Jewish organizations.
Emily Spiegel claimed: “I just don’t agree with what the Israeli government is doing. I think, as a
Jewish American, I feel the need to speak up, because a lot of my community supports what Israel is doing.”
Aeron Shneyer, a Jewish-American, spreads his message through music: “More and more Jews are realizing what’s good for Israel is also what’s good for Palestinians, and to be one-sided is not helping anyone.” His band includes both Palestinians from Gaza and Israeli Jews.
But for some protesters, enough is enough.
“The occupation has gone on for more than 40 years and it’s the result of racism,” Kyle Foley,
An American protester thinks.
For Israel’s part, Gaza is a launching pad for terrorist attacks against it, and Gaza’s government –
with its ties to Iran – remains a security threat.
But while the politicians shake their fists, the fight for everyday Palestinians is for food, medicine and security.
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Echo, If you want peace, then you must understand the worlds largest warmachine is the USA, you are now at war with the middle east, you are struggling with North Korea, you want to Assasinate Chavez, and attack Iran...Do you really think everyone else is wrong and you are right? Why do you think the USA is the most paranoid country nowadays. You attack and attack and yet expect no one to attack you back. I have many american friends, but I tell you, dont expect to wage war against other people without the risk of others hitting america back. This is war, my friend. IRAN did not attack the US, AFGHANISTAN did not attack the US, IRAQ did not attack the US, CHAVEZ did not attack the US...you might wanna ask yourself who´s really bombing cities every day. Terrorist...or the US Army?
Echo, with all due respect, get educated, please! You must have grown up watching too much Captain America. Or perhaps you belong to a Church that regards the United States as God's most loved nation. I must ask, have you ever opened up a college level world history book, preferably one that doesn't depict the U.S. as the best thing to happen to the world since sliced bread?
echo, you are repeating reductionist media myths and propaganda. Please do some research! The U.S. is the prime terrorist and sponsor on terror in the world, that is a historical and contemporary fact. If the U.S. wants less terrorism it should stop it's support and practice of terrorism across the world.