NEW FILM OUT~HOPE CONVOY TO GAZA

Our readers may remember the writers of this blog covered the "Hope Convoy" to Gaza back in May 2009 directly from the Irish delegation who were on the convoy and were successful in getting into Gaza. We received updates and photographs continually throughout the ordeal of getting in, and we continued our coverage once they finally got in. The new "Hope Convoy" film is just out now for a first hand account of the story of the convoy, excellent stuff:

PART 1

PART 2

Those who missed reading about the convoy we have included the Diaries below:

Al Arish to Rafah
Canadian Code Pink at Rafah
#1 Into Gaza
#2 Shifah Hospital
#3 Kahn Younis-Nasser Hospital
#4 Waiting to Die-Trauma Unit
#5 UNWRA School for Visually Impaired
#6 Convoy Meets Gaza Government
#7 Prisoners & Families
#8 Zionist War Crimes

PALESTINIAN SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL

An irish4palestine report with photos:

The 20th Annual Forum of Palestinians in Austria met in Vienna on 19th December and was attended by several hundred Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs from across Europe.

Participants were able to enjoy a range of Palestinian food whilst browsing a range of stalls selling handicrafts, books, music and videos from Palestine or depicting the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.


This year’s event was dedicated to the issue of Jerusalem Al Quds which is suffering from a concerted effort by the Israeli regime to eradicate its Arab and Palestinian heart and to populate it with settlers.A range of Palestinian dance groups and singers entertained the audience:






The Audience rose to a rousing performance delivered by a group of 2nd generation Palestinian youths from Berlin.




Their militant dances portrayed the long struggle for Palestinian independence and were enthusiastically enjoyed by all those in attendance especially the many children who joined the performers on stage:


Here is the cutest wee boy you ever saw below:


The Danish based group called "Hanin" who play traditional Palestinian folk music (pictured below) you can find their website here, they are excellent!


Speakers from a range of Palestinian organisations explained the background to the struggle over Al Quds Jerusalem, detailing the ruthless campaign of ethnic cleansing taking place throughout Jerusalem under the Israeli occupation.

Below Dr. Arafat Shoukri the executive Director of The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in London and The Chair of the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, presents awards:


Mr Hermas from the Co-ordinating Committee of Palestinians in Austria explained “The removal of Arab, streets, houses and even graveyards meant that the Islamic identity of Jerusalem – more than a thousand years of history – was being destroyed. The humiliation of Jerusalem is a catastrophe that the world must act on.”

“Policy makers throughout Europe must take a stand on this issue – the Judification of Jerusalem and the destruction of holy mosques amounts to an apartheid system of ethnic cleansing. This is a crime against Jerusalem which is the capital of the Muslim and Arab world and is sacred to all of humanity.”

Gerry MacLochlainn, Sinn Fein councillor from Ireland, spoke of his recent experiences in Gaza and of his party’s support for Palestinian self-determination and for an inclusive peace process based on equality and inclusion. This process must be based on an end to the Israeli occupation and a complete stop to all settlement activity and the destruction of Arab sites in Jerusalem.

“There can be no possibility of a peaceful resolution within the region without an agreement on the future of Jerusalem and its place as the capital of a Palestinian state which is viable and cohesive.”

Professor Evangelos Pissias from Greece of the Free Gaza movement spoke of the continuity of Palestinian settlement and civilisation in Palestine and in Jerusalem in particular.

“Greece was invaded many times in our history but our people stayed and resisted and we acted for civilisation, Palestinians have done the same and stayed in that region throughout all the invasions and they have demanded their freedom. But Zionism has taken the land from these people and brought in a people who had not lived there for generations and is supported in this by an international conspiracy.

“This is unacceptable and the world must speak out and act in support of Palestine and in opposition to what is happening in Jerusalem. This is a matter for all of civilisation.”

One humanitarian story to report is that of a middle aged Palestinian women who wanted to raise money for the children of Al Quds Jerusalem. So, she took all her wedding jewellery and put it ALL up for auction! She stood on stage with her beautiful gold jewellery presented for sale on a satin with lace cushion on display to the highest bidder in the audience! Her jewellery was then sold to the highest bidder, and, as the winning bidder was a Palestinain himself, after paying for the jewellery, returned it to her, bless.


This remarkable event shows the true unbeatable Palestinian spirit! And Israel actually believes these people will forgot about Palestine................NEVER!

URGENT~VIVA PALESTINA NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW

DANGEROUS DAYS AHEAD FOR CONVOY
NOTE I'm reposting this because it is an urgent situation

We have friends on both the Code Pink Gaza Freedom March (stranded and protesting in Egypt) and also on the Viva Palestina Convoy waiting for boats to go to Al Arish. Because of the volatile situation in Egypt we have devoted more time to monitoring that situation than reporting on our Irish boys from Derry. So we plan to do some catching up on the Viva Palestina convoy now because they are about to face a trying and dangerous time. More one that in a minute.

So let us introduce the “Derry to Gaza” team; Danny Doyle, Edward McBride, Derek McChrystal, Eanna O'Donaghaile and Jonathan Crockett:


Jonathan “JJ” Crockett, (pictured in the centre of the photo above) is a teacher at St Brigid's College in Derry. He and the team are delivering an ambulance filled with medical aid donated by Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Also, students at St. Brigid’s College have donated a lot of educational supplies which can be given to children there. Yesterday JJ had this to say:

" Thank you to the people at home in Derry and further afield for your support on this all important humanitarian mission; your support is the fuel which keeps us going.

" We returned the 500 kms to Damascus which was forced upon us, and now we are going to make our way to the nearby port of Latakia. "We hope to get the ferry to Egypt which takes 20 hours, and arrive into El Arish, only 25 km from Gaza.

"The Turkish government is paying for our ferry to go to Egypt and fair play to them, although the Egyptian government remains hostile to our mission.

"If we are turned away at the Bay of Egypt, or even worse, if we can't get on the ferry, then we will have to face more serious challenges put in our way... of delivering this life saving aid. Either way the next few days are crucial."

UPDATE: We are just in from a vigil for the victims in Gaza and a rally in support of the “Derry to Gaza” lads. As you well know the convoy is facing great obstacles at the moment. At the rally today Marty Crockett, brother of JJ Crockett, one of the drivers, read out an update he’d received from JJ today. The rally had a great turnout and it was grand to hear from our boys who are in Syria via text messages, calls and emails. IMPORTANT INFO AFTER THIS:
Marty Crockett reading message from Convoy

Sinn Fein Clr and former Deputy Leader of the "Hope Convoy" to Gaza in May 2009, Gerry MacLochlainn, reading out names of children murdered by Israel.


SDLP Clr Colum Eastwood reading names of children murdered by Israel

Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney with Steve Crockett in support of the "Derry to Gaza" five.
After the rally ended, we were speaking to Steve Crockett, also JJ's brother, who gave us the latest on the convoy. They have now arrived in Syria and are currently waiting for the boat to take the vehicles to Al Arish. Another problem they have faced is the cargo ship cannot take the people, only the aid and vehicles. The convoy personnel do not want to leave their vehicles, but are forced to do so and were expected to take other boats to Al Arish which would leave the cargo alone for some time at the Egyptian port. This was immediately deemed as unacceptable and turned down. They then decided the best option was to fly the convoy members into Egypt on charter planes so as to quickly get back to their vehicles. Another problem, how to pay for this. Thankfully the Great and Good Government of Turkey has offered to pay for the cargo ship to Egypt. Turkey is to be commended for this humanitarian act of kindness to the convoy and the people of Gaza who will receive the aid. BUT THEY NEED DONATIONS FOR THE CHARTER PLANES TO EGYPT, link to donate at end of post. MORE:

So, where it stands now is they are in the process of having the vehicles go by boat and the people by plane. Should all things go according to “plan” the convoy should arrive in Gaza in 4-7 days. However, what worries me is one dangerous situation looms in the distance, and that danger is Israel. For the Israeli pirates who only a few months back boarded, seized and confiscated a boat of dignitaries bound for Gaza, then jailed Mairead Corrigan, Cynthia McKinney and many others, could make an attempt to seize the cargo boat.

To all our readers: We have made arrangements to be in contact with the “Derry to Gaza” team and will post personal updates here as we get them, along with any photos as well.

And to the “Derry to Gaza” Team, if you see this post, your families all say “We are so proud of you, best of luck” and the whole of Derry support you!!
URGENT VIVA PALESTINA APPEAL BELOW:
On 6th December 2009 the third Viva Palestina international aid convoy set off from London. Over the next few weeks it traveled almost three thousand miles through 9 countries gaining support as it went. By 24th December, Christmas Eve, when it reached the post of Aqaba in Jordan it had grown to almost 500 people in 250 vehicles - carrying much needed medical aid for the besieged people of Gaza.

And there it's journey could have come to an end. The convoy was refused passage across the Red Sea to the Sinai by the Egyptian authorities - gatekeepers of the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The convoy would only be allowed to enter Gaza if it landed at the port of Al-Arish on the Mediterranean coast.

The convoy was forced to turn around and head back through Jordan and Syria to take ship from there to Egypt. But this solution, imposed by the Egyptian authorities, has come at a cost. Viva Palestina and our partners will need to charter three ferries and a plane to move our vehicles and convoy members from Syria to Egypt. And we need to raise the money to pay for this.

So we are asking our friends and supporters to dig deep in their pockets and make an emergency donation towards the costs now facing the convoy. With your help we will once more deliver aid to the people of Gaza - and once more demand the end to this in human siege.

Thanks you for your support and may we wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Viva Palestina

Please forward this email to your friends, family and contacts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


You can donate below by credit or debit card in a variety of currencies - please follow the links below or visit the website at http://www.vivapalestina.org/emergency.htm

If you have a paypal account you can send directly to use using the 'send money' option to our email address at donations@vivapalestina.org
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URGENT UPDATE~VIVA PALESTINA~DERRY TO GAZA

DANGEROUS DAYS AHEAD FOR CONVOY

We have been in a bit of a situation on this blog. We have friends on both the Code Pink Gaza Freedom March (stranded and protesting in Egypt) and also on the Viva Palestina Convoy waiting for boats to go to Al Arish from Syria. Because of the volatile situation in Egypt we have devoted more time to monitoring that situation than reporting on our Irish boys from Derry. So we plan to do some catching up on the Viva Palestina convoy now because they are about to face a trying and dangerous time.

So let us introduce the “Derry to Gaza” team; Danny Doyle, Edward McBride, Derek McChrystal, Eanna O'Donaghaile and Jonathan Crockett:


Jonathan “JJ” Crockett, (pictured in the centre of the photo above) is a teacher at St Brigid's College in Derry. He and the team are delivering an ambulance filled with medical aid donated by Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Also, students at St. Brigid’s College have donated a lot of educational supplies which can be given to children there. Yesterday JJ had this to say:

" Thank you to the people at home in Derry and further afield for your support on this all important humanitarian mission; your support is the fuel which keeps us going.

" We returned the 500 kms to Damascus which was forced upon us, and now we are going to make our way to the nearby port of Latakia. "We hope to get the ferry to Egypt which takes 20 hours, and arrive into El Arish, only 25 km from Gaza.

"The Turkish government is paying for our ferry to go to Egypt and fair play to them, although the Egyptian government remains hostile to our mission.

"If we are turned away at the Bay of Egypt, or even worse, if we can't get on the ferry, then we will have to face more serious challenges put in our way... of delivering this life saving aid. Either way the next few days are crucial."

UPDATE: We are just in from a vigil for the victims in Gaza and a rally in support of the “Derry to Gaza” lads. As you well know the convoy is facing great obstacles at the moment. At the rally today Marty Crockett, brother of JJ Crockett, one of the drivers, read out an update he’d received from JJ today. The rally had a great turnout and it was grand to hear from our boys who are in Syria via text messages, calls and emails. IMPORTANT INFO AFTER THIS:
Marty Crockett reading message from Convoy

Sinn Fein Clr and former Deputy Leader of the "Hope Convoy" to Gaza in May 2009, Gerry MacLochlainn, reading out names of children murdered by Israel.


SDLP Clr Colum Eastwood reading names of children murdered by Israel

Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney with Steve Crockett in support of the "Derry to Gaza" five.
After the rally ended, we were speaking to Steve Crockett, also JJ's brother, who gave us the latest on the convoy. They have now arrived in Syria and are currently waiting for the boat to take the vehicles to Al Arish. Another problem they have faced is the cargo ship cannot take the people, only the aid and vehicles. The convoy personnel do not want to leave their vehicles, but are forced to do so and were expected to take other boats to Al Arish which would leave the cargo alone for some time at the Egyptian port. This was immediately deemed as unacceptable and turned down. They then decided the best option was to fly the convoy members into Egypt on charter planes so as to quickly get back to their vehicles. Another problem, how to pay for this. Thankfully the Great and Good Government of Turkey has offered to pay for the cargo ship to Egypt. Turkey is to be commended for this humanitarian act of kindness to the convoy and the people of Gaza who will receive the aid. BUT THEY NEED DONATIONS FOR THE CHARTER PLANES TO EGYPT, link to donate at end of post. MORE:

So, where it stands now is they are in the process of having the vehicles go by boat and the people by plane. Should all things go according to “plan” the convoy should arrive in Gaza in 4-7 days. However, what worries me is one dangerous situation looms in the distance, and that danger is Israel. For the Israeli pirates who only a few months back boarded, seized and confiscated a boat of dignitaries bound for Gaza, then jailed Mairead Corrigan, Cynthia McKinney and many others, could make an attempt to seize the cargo boat.

To all our readers: We have made arrangements to be in contact with the “Derry to Gaza” team and will post personal updates here as we get them, along with any photos as well.

And to the “Derry to Gaza” Team, if you see this post, your families all say “We are so proud of you, best of luck” and the whole of Derry support you!!
URGENT VIVA PALESTINA APPEAL BELOW:
On 6th December 2009 the third Viva Palestina international aid convoy set off from London. Over the next few weeks it traveled almost three thousand miles through 9 countries gaining support as it went. By 24th December, Christmas Eve, when it reached the post of Aqaba in Jordan it had grown to almost 500 people in 250 vehicles - carrying much needed medical aid for the besieged people of Gaza.

And there it's journey could have come to an end. The convoy was refused passage across the Red Sea to the Sinai by the Egyptian authorities - gatekeepers of the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The convoy would only be allowed to enter Gaza if it landed at the port of Al-Arish on the Mediterranean coast.

The convoy was forced to turn around and head back through Jordan and Syria to take ship from there to Egypt. But this solution, imposed by the Egyptian authorities, has come at a cost. Viva Palestina and our partners will need to charter three ferries and a plane to move our vehicles and convoy members from Syria to Egypt. And we need to raise the money to pay for this.

So we are asking our friends and supporters to dig deep in their pockets and make an emergency donation towards the costs now facing the convoy. With your help we will once more deliver aid to the people of Gaza - and once more demand the end to this in human siege.

Thanks you for your support and may we wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Viva Palestina

Please forward this email to your friends, family and contacts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


You can donate below by credit or debit card in a variety of currencies - please follow the links below or visit the website at http://www.vivapalestina.org/emergency.htm

If you have a paypal account you can send directly to use using the 'send money' option to our email address at donations@vivapalestina.org .


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Statement Issued On Gaza Illegal Siege

End siege of Gaza -MacLochlainn
Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn today called on the Israeli government to immediately end its siege of the Gaza Strip.

His call follows an appeal by the UN and international agencies to Israel to allow urgent repairs to be carried out on the water and sewage system in Gaza .

According to these agencies more than 13 million gallons or 50 million litres of raw or partially treated sewage is flowing into the Mediterranean Sea each day because Gaza’s sewage and water treatment systems are totally inadequate following bomb damage inflicted by Israeli armed forces and the refusal of Israel to allow the necessary repairs and investment essential to service and upgrade the sewage and water systems.

Much of this pollution finds its way back onto the coast of Gaza and Israel .

Four months ago Councillor MacLochlainn visited the Middle East and spent four days in Gaza and along with elected representatives from across Europe and accompanied an aid convoy for Gaza across the Rafah border. The water and sewage system was already then at the point of collapse.

Speaking following the UN and international appeal Councillor MacLochlainn said:

“There is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza .

”In May I saw for myself the cruel consequences of the Israeli assault on Gaza last Christmas and New Year which produced enormous destruction and hardship for the people of that region.

The civilian population bore the brunt of the fatalities and in particular children and women.

Residential areas, educational and medical facilities alongside political and civil administration establishments were targeted. This included the police. Water and electricity services and roads were also targeted.

Over a three week period from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009 it is reported that
_
Over 1400 people were killed including more than 400 children and over a hundred women.
_ Casualties were in the region of 5,000 including 1,800 children and almost 800 women.

According to the UN the Israeli attack ' wrought unprecedented devastation and hardship on an already impoverished population, compounding the effects of an 18 month blockade and tight regime of closures and restrictions on movement that date back to the early 1990s. '

While I support the demand by the UN and international agencies that Israel allow urgent repairs on Gaza’s water and sewage system to proceed, the reality is that only a complete lifting of the siege by the Israeli government can significantly improve the lives of the million and a half people trapped in that area.
Ends

Sinn Fein's MacLochlainn Calls for Prosecution of IDF Commanders

Just noticed this in my email. Sinn Fein calls for International Tribunal for the Prosecution of IDF commanders for inflicting "genocidal" war crimes against the people of Gaza.

Israeli war criminals must be prosecuted-MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn, who recently visited Gaza as part of the European Convoy of Hope, has called for the establishment of an International Tribunal for the prosecution of Israeli Army commanders for genocidal war crimes against the Palestinian people after thirty Israeli soldiers exposed outrageous and criminal targeting of civilians in the Gaza strip during Israel’s invasion in December 2008 and January 2009.

Gerry MacLochlainn said, “This isn’t the first time that soldiers have come forward and exposed the outrageous and criminal activities of the Israeli army. Time and again the Israeli army has been exposed for its human rights abuses yet the international community fails to act."

“Today’s report, from thirty of Israel’s own soldiers, highlights the callous and indiscriminate targeting of Palestinian civilians during the invasion of December 2008 and January 2009. This includes commanders urging soldiers to shoot first and worry later about sorting civilians from combatants."

“This must not be allowed to go unchecked. There must be an international inquiry and we need to see prosecutions of the genocidal war criminals entrenched in the Israeli regime. There must be consequences for the actions of the Israeli Government and its army – and these should include the introduction of economic sanctions against Israel.

“Israel’s practice of conscripting recruits and forcing them to serve in occupied Palestinian territories needs to come to an end along with the policy of locking up conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the army."

“It is vital that the international community must ensure that soldiers involved in the publication of today’s report are protected from reprisals from the Israeli military.”ENDS

GAZA REPORT RELEASED

Published by Irish4Palestine Writers Group

“Peace making is conducted by and between enemies not between friends.”

Sinn Fein's President,Gerry Adams, has finished his report on the Gaza situation and Middle East peace process. This report will be forwarded to the US government, through George Mitchell and Tony Blair. I had this emailed to me two days ago, but only checked email today, sorry for the small delay in posting it. I will publish important excerpts of the 36 page report made by Adams in this post. For those interested in reading the entire document a PDF link will be at the end of this post. Please note, this is a very long but important post which addresses the political aspects of conflict resolution along with an assessment of the situation.

QUOTE “Several Palestinians, supporters of the peace process route, mature in both age and political experience told me that they feel as angry now as they did when they were teenagers. They find, in themselves and their contemporaries, a hardening of attitudes.”

“Others voice the opinion that generations coming up, unless there is a peace settlement, will make Al Qaeda, in retrospect, look like moderates.”

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA today launched his report ‘Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, April 2009 – A Report’.

Another start must be made in the Middle East. That includes a huge international effort to begin the work of reconstruction in the Gaza strip and the West Bank.

The international community also has a duty to create the political conditions in which a real dialogue can happen.

So far it has behaved in a shameful way by failing to effectively and persistently pursue the building of a peace process capable of delivering a political settlement.

That must change.

The Sinn Féin peace strategy helped create the conditions for the Irish peace process which has transformed political conditions in Ireland. While no two conflicts are the same there are nonetheless broad principles which can be helpful in all conflict resolution processes.

Sinn Féin, within our limited resources, is willing to offer our experience to others if it can help.

Is mise
Gerry Adams MP MLA
Sinn Fein President
June 2009 Israel, Gaza and the West Bank - A Report:

Destruction caused by Israeli Operation Cast Lead.
Report follows image map of destruction.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW LARGE SIZE


_ Approximately 3,500 homes destroyed, 28,000 homes damaged.3

_ 800 industries damaged/destroyed during Operation Cast Lead: 120 million USD of directphysical damage incurred during the 22 day military operation.4

_ Agricultural sector: Direct losses to crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry estimated at $180 million.

_ Impact on the infrastructure of a future Palestinian state: Palestinian Legislative Council destroyed; 7 government institutions completely or partially destroyed.

_ 10 schools destroyed, 204 damaged.5

_ 600,000 tonnes of rubble need to be removed.

_ 14 mosques destroyed, 38 mosques, 2 churches and the British Commonwealth cemetery in Gaza damaged.

_ 41 public health clinics and 29 ambulances were either damaged or destroyed.6

_ Prior to the IDF operation, per capita water consumption was 80 litres/person/day, below acceptable international standards (minimum guidelines 150 l/person/day). During
Operation Cast Lead, 11 water wells were either partially damaged or totally destroyed, 4 water reservoirs were damaged, 20,000 meters of pipes, 4 sewage network and pumping stations and one of Gaza's two main sewage treatment plants was damaged.

_ 57 km of asphalted roads destroyed, resulting in $78 million of physical damage.

SETTLEMENTS

In its report: Israel and Palestine an Irish Congress of Trade Unions delegation visited the Middle East in November 2007.In its Overall Conclusions it describes the impact of the settlements and of the Separation Wall.

The Settlements
The settlements - which violate international law - and the Israeli checkpoints are all pervasive.

Everywhere we went in the West Bank we observed settlements, some of them massive, most often located on hilltops, overlooking and monitoring the Palestinians below.

The settler accommodation invariably comprised bright, modern houses and apartments and is in stark contrast to the impoverished shanty town appearance of the Palestinian homes below.

The settlers themselves are heavily armed and are protected throughout the West Bank by a strong Israeli military presence. Indeed, mobility within the West Bank between Palestinian villages, towns and cities is severely curtailed and under the control of Israeli forces: for example, entering and leaving Hebron or Nablus.

The Israeli army, as well as armed Israeli civilians, operate barriers and controlled crossings, many of which resemble the heavily fortified border checkpoints which were evident during the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Also very noticeable is the fragmented and divided nature of the West Bank itself, which is due to the proliferation of 'settler-only' roads controlled entirely by the IDF. Many are newly constructed, of high quality and frequently run in parallel to existing roads used by Palestinians. These roads provide direct access for settlers to urban areas which Palestinians are prohibited from entering (e.g. Jerusalem), or which Palestinians can only enter after long detours - often taking several hours - and after processing at Israeli checkpoints.

There is little doubt that this two-tier infrastructure both hampers and impedes any form of sustainable Palestinian development and prevents the emergence of a viable, contiguous, independent Palestinian state.

The Separation Wall

The delegation saw multiple examples of the devastating impact the construction of this massive 9 metre high concrete wall is having (Irish company Cement Roadstone Holdings (CRH) owns a 25 percent share in Mashav, Israel's only cement company, which supplies construction materials for the wall). (Irish people see my note at end of post)

It dominates huge swathes of the Palestinian landscape, destroying agricultural land, cutting farmers off from their livelihoods and causing the destruction of tens of thousands of olive trees.

It was genuinely shocking to see the impact of the wall in urban areas, where it sunders entire communities and neighbourhoods, and imposes severe restrictions on access to essential services and employment. The delegation heard, but was neither impressed nor convinced by the argument that the wall is essential to the security of Israel.

It was noted that the wall does not follow the route of the 1967 Green Line border. It has instead snaked into Palestinian territory and seized up to 12 percent of Palestinian land, including significant water resources.

The delegation believes, therefore, that the construction of the wall amounts to a land (and water) grab, while simultaneously creating a new border in advance of any possible final settlement.

In July 2004 the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, declared the construction of the wall to be illegal, ordered that it be dismantled, and ruled that Israel should pay reparation to the Palestinians affected by its construction. The ruling also found that the wall, in conjunction with other Israeli measures, "severely impeded the exercise by the Palestinian people of its right to self determination."

The Gaza Strip:

From the moment you enter the Gaza strip under the gaze of the watchtowers and through the huge gates in the security wall and security system controlled by Israel at the Erez Crossing, the overwhelming sense is one of entering a huge open air prison. A million and a half people live there enduring multiple deprivations and denial of rights.

The television images of the assault on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the cold statistics set out in multiple reports from reputable international relief and human rights agencies all support claims that society in general on the Gaza strip was the target of this assault.

Residential areas, educational and medical facilities alongside political and civil administration establishments were targeted. This included the police. Water and electricity services and roads were also targeted. Military institutions were attacked.





The human cost of the assault on Gaza is an affront to humanity.The reason given for the assault is that it was a reaction to the firing of Qassam rockets.

"No-one in Gaza believes this."

Moreover, by any standards, it was a wholly disproportionate response.

A UN panel, led by Ian Martin a former head of Amnesty International concluded that Israeli actions in using white phosphorous munitions showed a 'reckless disregard' for human life.

Those Palestinians I spoke to believe that the assault on Gaza was an attempt to topple Hamas and to demonstrate to the people of Gaza the price for voting for that party.

There will be no Palestinian/Israeli agreement without an agreement on Jerusalem. This is a universal view amongst the Palestinian opinions shared with me.

West Bank Palestinians are subjected to stop and search on a daily basis and often several times a day at some 600 permanent roadblocks and crossing gates set up by the Israeli Defence Forces in the West Bank.

Alongside this seven hundred kilometres of roads have been constructed for the exclusive use of the Israeli Defence Forces and Israeli settlers in the ever burgeoning programme of colonizing Palestinian lands through the establishment of new Israeli settlements.

All of this, like the grotesque Separation Wall which stretches for 662.8 kilometres and snakes its way across Palestinian land is done in the name of security. All are illegal.

“Wall and planned settlement expansion will place 45.5% of the occupied west Bank under Israeli control … the revised Wall route alone de facto annexes 9% of the west Bank … effectively incorporates over 370,000 illegal settlers or nearly 87% of the Israeli settler population…Israel claims the Wall is about security, but the revised route, which stretches 662.8 km, still runs more than twice the length of the 1967 border …”

"Several Palestinians, supporters of the peace process route, mature in both age and political experience told me that they feel as angry now as they did when they were teenagers. They find, in themselves and their contemporaries, a hardening of attitudes.

Others voice the opinion that generations coming up, unless there is a peace settlement, will make Al Qaeda, in retrospect, look like moderates."

The democratically elected representatives of Palestinian political opinion, Fatah and Hamas, representing between them approximately 80% of votes cast in the last election to the Palestinian Legislative Council, made clear to me in separate meetings that they support a two-state solution to the conflict. And that this requires, understandably, that any Palestinian state be viable and sustainable. This would require ease of movement between the West Bank and the Gaza strip.

Hamas Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh in our meeting on Wednesday 9 April made a number of points in respect of this and related matters.
He said Hamas:

_ Is involved in discussions with Fatah in respect of unity and an agreed political platform to provide a common position for democratically elected Palestinian representatives; to present a single representative Palestinian voice.

_ Is ready to make compromises to achieve Palestinian unity on these issues.

_ Has no interest in establishing or sustaining Gaza as a separate political entity. (Some senior Palestinians told me that they believe this is an Israeli Government objective. Their view is that the Israeli government will agree to Gaza as a Palestinian state, colonise as much of the west Bank as possible and hive off the rest to Jordan.)

_ Wants justice, stability, security and peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

Supports, as the route to this:

_ A comprehensive ceasefire;

_ The opening of borders;

_ The lifting of the siege of Gaza;

_ The two-state compromise and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of the 1967 borders;

_ And the establishment of a long Hudna (long truce) to facilitate this as an important enabling element. That is a renewable 'life long' truce between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

A number of Palestinians made clear their preference for a single secular state of Palestine on the basis of the historic/old Mandate borders embracing Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Moslems, Christians and so on.

If Israelis were not prepared to accept that at this time, they said, then they would support a two-state solution for now and let a future generation politically address the single state option.

International Context

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has ever been bound up with wider regional and international influences and interests. This includes the states with shared borders - Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria - the wider Arab and indeed Islamic world, East/West interests which have endured beyond the Cold War and in particular the role and influence of the United States.

At best conflicting interests have neutralised the international community as a positive influence for justice, stability, security and peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

At another level this results in United Nations Resolutions and international law being flouted with impunity and immunity.

This is not acceptable. It needs to end.

The current situation is untenable.

Conclusions

I regret that the view of the Israeli Government is not reflected in this report. That is an unfortunate consequence of its refusal to meet the Sinn Féin delegation.

Dialogue has to be a central tenet of any attempt to make peace; to achieve justice, stability, security and peace.

Refusing to engage in dialogue; demonising opponents; treating them as non citizens; stripping them of their rights and entitlements, of their self esteem and integrity as human beings; engaging in censorship and vilification, makes war easier and peace harder.

It is a policy which guarantees a perpetuation of the cycle of conflict.

The international experience is clear.

There are two ways to end conflict. Either one side convincingly beats the other or all of those involved engage in the more difficult and challenging process of peace making.

61 years after the emergence of the Israeli state and the partition of Palestine, and with the increasing sophistication of the weapons of war on all sides, it is clear that no wall - however high-can provide permanent peace or security.

A political settlement is required and this is only possible if there is a recognition and acceptance of democratic mandates of all of the participants.

Peace making is conducted by and between enemies not between friends.

That means that a necessary element of a conflict resolution process in the Middle East which hopes to achieve a successful outcome, must be an acceptance of inclusive dialogue based on equality and respect.

This required a serious, good faith effort to engage between political opponents. And this will require determination and commitment to stick with it through all of the inevitable arguments and differences and crises that will emerge.

For Palestinians this means uniting in the national interest by agreeing a truly national political platform involving all of the Palestinian parties.
Fail to do this and the age old tactic of divide and rule will weaken the Palestinian ability to achieve their rights through negotiation.

Party political interests need to be subsumed in the national and democratic cause.

For the Israelis the challenge is equally daunting. Israel is a major regional and world power. It has the ability to continue to pursue and implement policies which foster division and conflict, or it can take dramatic decisions for peace.

The recent positions set out by President Obama, and the appointment of Senator George Mitchell, are welcome developments. The United States of America has a particular role to play and is certainly the most influential international player on the Israeli authorities.

Sinn Féin Position
Sinn Féin supports the right of all peoples to national self determination and to the exercise of that right without external interference or impediment.

Explicitly, that means there must be an end to the Israeli occupation. Before and during my recent visit I consistently set out - privately and publicly - aspects of Sinn Féin's view of the situation.

In brief this included the following opinions:

_ The situation had deteriorated since my first visit in September 2006.

_ Israelis and Palestinians are destined to share the same piece of ground and to live side by side.

_ Everyone deserves and requires justice, stability, security and peace.

_ A two-state solution holds out the best prospect to secure these objectives.

_ Dialogue is central to this.

_ There should be a complete cessation of all hostilities and freedom of
movement for everyone.

I made clear that I was willing and ready to meet for discussions with all democratically elected representatives who wished to meet with me. I also said I would report on my visit to Sen. George Mitchell who has recently been appointed U.S. Envoy to the region.

I am also sending this report to UNRWA; to the Israeli government; the PLO and the Palestinian Authority; the Hamas government in Gaza; all of those political parties I met during my visit; the Irish government; the British government; Mr. Tony Blair; to the US government; to the EU; to the UN; to the Russian government; and to a range of Arab states. pdf file note:for more destruction map of Gaza visit UNOSAT here

Note to the Irish: Time to do something about these "Criminal Enablers" at "Cement Roadstone Holding" in Ireland as they do not represent the Irish views on Israel/Palestine conflict. They are enabling Israel to perpetuate a continued siege on Palestine and they are helping to annex Palestinian land with their cement supplied to the Evil Rogue State. Here's the website: http://www.crh.ie/

Sinn Fein Condemn Israeli Boat Attack

Israeli attack on peace activist boat unacceptable
Published: 1 July, 2009

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn has described the Israeli government's decision to board and hijack a peace boat on route to Gaza carrying medical aid as contemptible adding; "The piracy of the Israeli Navy in boarding the boat in international waters and towing it towards Israel this is yet another astounding example of just how beyond reproach this administration believes it is." A previous boat Free Gaza the Dignity was rammed in December on another humanitarian trip after Israel launched its renewed military offensive against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"The passengers and crew of the 'Spirit of Humanity' boat are peace activists and human rights workers from 11 countries. Even before Israel's military attack throughout Christmas and the New Year, over half of Gaza was without electricity because of Israel's refusal to allow fuel into the city. Israel's ongoing blockade of fuel, food and medical supplies had brought the city to its knees clearly softening the city up for its ferocious attack which destroyed the city and left thousands dead and wounded.

"Israel needs to understand there are political and economic consequences for its crimes against Gaza and its people, and European leaders need to step up and make their voice heard. Slowly starving an entire nation, blocking medical, humanitarian and reconstruction aid is contrary to international and human rights and needs to be opposed. If nothing else this should be another signal to European leaders to immediately end all EU-Israeli trade agreements.

"European leaders need to demand the immediate release of those aboard the Spirit of Humanity. Just last week Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin noted, 'Some key issues relating to Gaza remain to be dealt with. The humanitarian crisis is ongoing and is altogether unacceptable in terms of the failure to open up crossings and allow the free flow of aid.'

"In the absence of Israel ceasing it human rights violations against Gaza and political leader's refusal to toughen up their stance and move from words to action it has been left to activists like those aboard the Spirit of Humanity to get aid to the city."

"I call on the Irish government and on other EU states to demand the release of Irish and other citizens illegally arrested in international waters, that the confiscated humanitarian aid on board, (medicine, toys, olive trees and cement) which had been cleared by the customs of another EU country, Cyprus, be returned and that the boat be released and allowed proceed on its way." END

Racial Profiling Coming to Ireland via England

The English government has created a "new" plan to secure it's borders from "bad guys" entering the so called "UK"

Now, given that the British are still an occupying entity on the island of Ireland, this new "plan" will effect Irish people travelling around the island of Ireland, from the South to the North. According to this new "Plan" there may now be border control agents within Ireland, to check the passports of people travelling back and forth, from South to North and back again. Heads up Donegal people, your trips to shop in Derry will now be like passing the Nazi Gestapo at the border, the same applies to those from Dundalk and Letterkenny in the East. Although the British claim they will not impinge on the daily travels of those who live in Ireland, north and south, this translates into racial profiling. Because how can they tell who lives here and who does not? We all look the same, so what we are really talking about is stopping only dark skinned people who do not look "Irish" , hence racial profiling. Additionally, given the Irish new found love for tanning booths, perhaps we should ALL get ready to be stopped as foreigners in our own country. This is a huge racist move by the British, and like everything else, will be used for all sorts of "other" things...

Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson is all over this, good for her!

British Government moves to reintroduce border checks must be opposed-Martina Anderson MLA
June 8, 2009

Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has urged the Irish government to register strong opposition to plans by the British Government to reintroduce legislation allowing wide powers to carry out document checks on people crossing the border.

Martina Anderson said:

“This move by the British government must be opposed by all people who cherish the principles of equality and human rights. I am calling on the Irish government to register strong opposition to these proposals which will infringe on the freedom of movement of Irish citizens travelling in their own country. Not only will the powers being suggested infringe the rights of Irish citizens but they would clearly lead to racial discrimination and human rights abuse.

“Having failed to have these measures passed previously as primary legislation, plans to reintroduce them through a clause in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill which would unilaterally remove the law preventing passport control between the two jurisdictions is an abuse of power. The Bill will be debated in the British House of Commons today 9th June.

“The claim that checks will not target British or Irish citizens can only result in racial profiling. How will they determine who is or is not an Irish or British citizen?

“The proposals are for mobile immigration patrols along the border to target cross-border traffic. People will be expected to show passports or other identity documents proving British or Irish citizenship or risk the possibility of arrest pending confirmation of their citizenship status.

“I have no doubt that when this Bill is brought before the British House of Commons today it will once more expose the political impotence of those MP’s from the North who choose to take seats in a parliament that has no relevance to the needs of the people they purport to represent. The British government will pass whatever legislation it thinks will curry favour with the British electorate. There are no votes for them here!

“Even if Northern MP’s vote en-bloc, against this repulsive legislation they will have no effect on the outcome. It will further emphasise the need for transfer of maximum powers from London to the island of Ireland so that we can formulate our own legislation based on equality and human rights for all.” ENDS linky link

#6 HOPE CONVOY-Meets Gaza Government

http://irish4palestine.blogspot.com/

"HOPE" convoy delegation meets the Government officials and Prime Minister Ismail Haniya in the Government Buildings.

From the Shifah hospital we travelled to the remains of the parliament building destroyed by the Israelis during the invasion. Here we were greeted by a number of MP’s

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As the Israelis bombed the building, we were greeted in a tent attached to the buildings remains which was dedicated to a minister who was assassinated by the Israelis during the invasion. We were also told of the numbers of elected MP’s including the Speaker of the parliament, who were rounded up and taken to Israeli gaols at the same time.

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That evening our group was invited to meet the cabinet and we were joined by Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, his first public appearance in the Government Buildings since the Israeli invasion. The delegation was given gifts of thanks from the Government for delivering aid to the people of Palestine.

Italian Senator Fernando Rossi, the Delegation Leader prepares to recieve gift from Prime Minister Ismail Haniya
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Below, the Prime Minister signs Palestinian scarves for the delegation. Each scarf was signed and stamped with the Palestinian stamp.
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Convoy Organiser recieves his scarf from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Ismail Haniya welcomed us on behalf of the Gazan people and expressed his hope that we would attest to what we had seen and heard and intervene with our governments to get them to support the removal of the blockade.The following report is from the Italian website translated by Google

Haniyah praised the host delegation, composed of European parliamentarians and personalities from different European countries, and added that the international mission confirmed that the Palestinian people "are not alone and that this siege will be broken."

He expressed his gratitude to the delegation, saying that you have followed the path from the beginning, and expressed confidence in the possibility that the parliamentary and political work to bring the Israeli leaders before a tribunal for war crimes.

The delegation, in turn, praised the good host, confirming the solidarity with the Palestinian people and respect for election results.

Parliamentarians have also criticized the inclusion of Hamas among the international terrorist organizations from various European countries, including Italy, adding that it turned to revoke such an inclusion in the black-list drawn up by the U.S. and Israel.

The delegation condemned the policy of occupation and crimes against the people of Gaza, in particular the recent attack and the unjust siege, confirming the right to support the Palestinian people and free elections.link Irish Report resumes below:

Sinn Fein's Gerry MacLochlainn, the convoy deputy leader, recieves his gifts from the Prime Minister below:

Haniya then explained his movement’s desire for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Palestine and that he had made it clear that his government would honour treaties and was committed to a realistic settlement recognising realities on the ground. He was committed to achieving Palestinian reconciliation and was approaching the ongoing talks with a serious commitment to achieving a positive outcome.

Gerry MacLochlainn of Sinn Fein, said "Ireland’s common experiences with the Palestinian people, sharing a common history of invasion and domination by foreign powers and referring to Britain’s negative role in both our countries. Ireland has an almost unique position in Europe having been a colony and so we have a deep and abiding empathy with other nations suffering under foreign aggression and domination."

"As an Irish Republican and representing the Republican people of Ireland I express my support for Palestine’s right to freedom, equality and justice in this world and pledge Sinn Fein support to the Palestinian nation until not just this siege is broken but Palestine itself is free. I am confident in that victory and look forward to celebrating that freedom with you at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem."ENDS

#4 HOPE CONVOY DIARIES~WAITING TO DIE

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Click the picture and look at this boy's face.

Then ask yourself this question: Does he deserve to die because Israel will not open the border to allow him outside so he can be helped? Look at him, he did nothing to Israel. His only crime was to be born a Palestinian in an occupied country. His only crime is to be born next to a rogue state that practices ethnic cleansing and views all Palestinians as expendable. And he is a Palestinian, therefore this is his crime, and for that, he must die like 400 other Palestinian children. All of whom have died at the hands of Israel since December 2008.

Convoy Report:

Our final visit was the most horrific for me, as I saw both sides of humanity in the starkest contrast. Just 200 m from the Israeli border we visited the main rehabilitation hospital which seeks to treat patients suffering from coma or serious disabling conditions.

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This man in the neck brace and wheelchair is a headmaster of a school in Gaza, rather, that was what he used to be, before Israel came to town. He suffered a back injury and as the hospitals are functioning without many supplies and proper medications, there was a surgical complication and he is now a quadriplegic and may now die. He may stand a chance if he can be allowed outside Gaza for treatment. Although he will never regain the use of his limbs, his life possibly could be saved, if only he could get out for help, if only. But Israel will not allow him help. This is only one case of a great many more.

I saw patients with incredible courage facing almost impossible conditions, doctors and nurses struggling to treat patients without the most basic materials in absolutely appalling conditions.

This hospital, just 200m from the Israeli border, was itself shelled by Israeli troops despite being clearly marked as a hospital, and under constant Israeli surveillance.

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One of the wards I stood in – a huge hole in the external wall and above the bed where were a patient was lying. A rocket had been fired directly into an occupied ward in an operational hospital.

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But this was not the first time this hospital was attacked by Israel. It has been a pattern. I looked at the next ward where two nurses were killed carrying a post operative patient when the rocket came through the wall and killed them all. Their photos are kept above the nurses station in remembrance.(Pictured below)

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In December 2008 during the most recent invasion, the Israelis again hit the hospital. This time they shelled the newly completed wing (below) that was only due to open in January 2009, a mere 30 days later – destroying it before a single patient could avail of its facilities. Now they have to start all over again, all the specialized equipment is destroyed.

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HE IS WAITING TO DIE

Then I met a young boy of about 10 years who had been dragged from the rubble of his home where all of his family had been killed. I held this young boy in my arms, as my heart ached for his tragedy and loss. He had only just come out of a coma, but only to some extent, and he still had massive chest and body injuries. I spoke to him as I held him, stroking his head as I spoke to him. I thought for a moment that I saw a small flicker in his eyes, I looked again for some sign of response, I saw none.

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If you notice the plastic splints on his little deformed arms, even those are not allowed in by the Israelis. The splints you see on this boy have been recycled, cut and reshaped as much as humanly possible, look closely at them. This is how it is in Gaza hospitals, you have to watch people suffer and die because Israel is allowed to impose a blockade. As such, this trauma hospital did not have the material required to treat him and due to the Israeli siege, he was not allowed out of Gaza for treatment elsewhere. The doctor said to me as I stroked his face – “We cannot do anymore – he is waiting to die”.

Next we visited the area where critically brain injured children are treated using various stimulation. All of the new equipment was lost when the new unit that was schedule to open was shelled by Israel. What you see in the photo below is all they have left to treat children with. A handful of regular toys, no specialized equipment, this is a disgrace.

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This blockade is a crime against humanity and the world cannot stand by and allow this to go on. We have to send as much medical aid as we can to Gaza, and Egypt has to co-operate with the aid convoys in order to alleviate the suffering there. But more than that, we have to force the Israeli’s to lift the blockade and allow the people of Gaza to import its needs and allow its people to travel in out of their homeland.

The "Hope for Gaza convoy" delivered some "hope" but people need more than "hope."

The next diary #5 in this series will be the visit to the UN school for the blind. Where the convoy delivered thousands of dollars worth of special software to help the blind with computer skills and learning. Check back tomorrow for that diary and others. UPDATE JANUARY 201O: we are just back from Gaza and met with the little boys Doctor for an update on his condition which can be found at the end of this post HERE

#3 HOPE CONVOY DIARIES~Khan Younis, Nasser

We next visited, Khan Younis, a town south of Gaza city. Here we visited Nasser Hospital, the main one for the south of Gaza Strip to deliver more medical materials.

Convoy Delegation tours hospital with Doctor, Pictured below are Italian Senator Fernando Rossi and Monia Benini and others:
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Monia Benini delivers water purification device from Italy
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Here we saw advanced medical equipment that cannot be used because the Israelis will not allow spare parts in to bring them back online. We saw patients receiving dialysis who could only get 2 hours sessions at a time which was not enough to clean their systems and so they never felt well and did not benefit as they should.

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The doctor said to me “It is the best we can do we have to share the access but we need to give them 4 hour sessions at least – we are only slowing the poison”.

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So, these people have to live their lives being permanently poisoned with toxins, because the dialysis machines cannot be repaired, Israel will not allow the parts into Gaza.

The mammography machines are inoperative because parts have failed and replacements are not allowed in by the Israeli blockade. The CT scanner’s tube is operating at twice its recommended life and they are hoping and praying every time they use that it will last a little bit longer. When it fails – there will be no scanner unless the Israeli siege is lifted.

Doctor pictured with Fernando Rossi and Gerry MacLochlainn. Photo taken looking through the scanner. This scanner will stop working any moment now. Once that happens there will be no way to treat people. This is a criminal act by Israel.



We then continued our tour followed by an award ceremony for a very special Doctor, also we were each presented with a special Palestinian scarf as a "Thank You" from the Doctors and the Hospital Staff for bringing much needed aid to the suffering people.

Photos of Awards Ceremony and Scarf Presentation:

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While the aid we delivered was very much needed, it is truly only a drop in the bucket. We finished with a press conference, pictured below:

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End of Nasser Hospital Diary. I should have HOPE DIARY #4 up later today where the convoy visited the main Rehabilitation Trauma center. This is truly a heart breaking story and will have many photos. This hospital was bombed by the Israelis, not once, but twice! A young boy waits to die because he cannot get treatment, thanks to the siege on Gaza. Another war crime.