Calm Is Over; Violence Breaks Out Again In Gaza

Calm Is Over; Violence Breaks Out Again In Gaza


By Sameh A. Habeeb
24 December, 2008
Countercurrents.org

Gaza Strip, 22, December, 2008-MMN: Sunday midnight witnessed
escalated military steps by Israeli army on Gaza Strip. Apache
helicopters raided on Al Shijya area east of Gaza city leaving 3
civilians injured. Medical spokesman of Emergency, Dr. Mawya Hasanian,
said 2 children were reported in a wake of military actions. The air
raids which were extensively supported by Israeli reconnaissance
planes left Gaza residents in great panic.

Some local radio stations in Gaza reported that raids targeted some
Palestinian resistance spots. Israeli cabinet held mid Sunday vowed of
full-scale military invasion in Gaza but didn't clarify more details.
Following the collapse of calm between Israel and Palestinian
factions, the level of tension and violence dramatically increases
within two days. Another Palestinian killed and four injured including
two children Saturday morning as Israeli artillery ****led the
northern areas of Gaza Strip; towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun.

Three days ago, a Palestinian was killed in an Israeli raid north of
Gaza strip which is a real hotbed for the erupting firing actions
between the two sides.

Today morning started by firing 2 ground-to-ground missiles fired by
the Israeli army at a group of Palestinian fighters killing 25-year-
old Ali Hijazi a faith affiliated member and injuring two others.
Hijazai was preparing for his wedding which is due after two days. He
invited his friends, relatives and family. However, things went out of
his way as he was killed by Israeli army Saturday morning. His body
was "torn to pieces." Due to the direct ****l hit him.

Palestinian factions promptly retaliated on the Israeli military
actions by firing projectiles and light homemade rockets on a number
of Israeli towns and villages. Al-Qassam brigades linked to Islamic
Hamas Movement fired six homemade ****ls on two Israeli military posts
in Sufa south of Gaza Rafah City and the a military intelligence too.

Later mid Saturday Israeli tanks ****led the same area north of Gaza
leaving two children injured by the shrapnel of an Israeli ****l fired
from an nearby military post in the Israeli areas. Palestinian medical
sources reported that the two were moderately injured and were
transferred to Kamal Adawan Hospital. One of the injured was a child
aged 7.

The clashes erupted few minutes after the arrival of a Qatari aids
boat from Cyprus to Gaza. The Qatari vessel, the SS Dignity, arrived
Gaza Port at 7:40 am. According to Free Gaza Movement FGM, Israeli
authorities requested the evacuation of two Israeli peace activists
visiting Gaza in solidarity of besieged people.

"We know you have Israelis on board, so either turn back, or we will
board and take them off," said a voice on the ship's radio, the Free
Gaza Movement said in a statement.
"We are going to Gaza," Huwaida Arraf, the delegation leader,
reportedly replied.

Neta Golan, one of the Israelis on board and a co-founder of the
International Solidarity Movement stated, "Countries that commit
crimes against humanity often hide those crimes from their own people.
Israel is doing exactly that by not allowing Israelis to come in to
witness what they are doing in our name."

The boat carried a Qatari delegation and a ton of Medical supplies for
Gaza hospitals which is in bad need for prompt intervention to end
medical siege and ban.

"This is just the beginning. We are delighted that we are finally able
to see the shores of Gaza and be the first Arab envoys to arrive. We
will see how we can work together to help relieve this terrible
situation in Gaza," said Alaze Al-Qahtani.


"Everyone said it couldn't be done, that we would never be able to get
to Gaza. But we have now arrived for the fifth time," Darlene Wallach
said.
"Now, other ships, especially cargo ships, need to follow in our
wake," Wallach added.

More boats are in way to Gaza in a practical step to end Gaza siege. A
Lebanese boat is due by early January. It would carry 800 tons of
medical and food aids as well as journalists, peace activists.
Additionally, another boat carrying Arabic and Islamic lawmakers would
set sail to Gaza.

Out of Gaza, Ramallah in Offar prison violence took place between
Israeli jailers and 1000 Palestinian prisoners. The confrontation
resulted in injuring 8 prisoners and two wardens during. Palestinian
prisoners were protesting an earlier search of prisoner property which
damaged the living quarters of the prisoners.

Israeli soldiers fired rounds of rubber coated bullets and gas
canisters on the prisoners, igniting some of the tents.

In regard of Gaza siege more Arab moves and stances are growing.
Thousands of Lebanese protested Friday in opposition of Gaza Siege. An
Arab siege coalition is to be formed shortly vowing of more popular
actions.

Egyptian foreign affairs official, Husam Zaki, said that ongoing talks
to renew calm are being held between the rival parties to prevent
deteriorations on the ground. He said that Egypt would pursue efforts
to relive conditions for Palestinian civilians.