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In Gaza, succeeding against the odds

Rami Almeghari Maghazi refugee camp, Gaza Strip 8 September 2008


Thirteen-year-old Alaa has grown up in Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp and her family’s home is an example of the typical “old-new” refugee camp dwellings. Comprised of three rooms, a wretched kitchen and an old-fashioned bathroom, the whole house is in need of urgent repair. Alaa lives in the same unhealthy house with her mother, two brothers and three sisters. Although poor, Alaa is a brilliant student. EI correspondent Rami Almeghari reports from the occupied Gaza Strip. 

Where time stands still

Dina Elmuti Deir Yassin 9 September 2008


I made a mental checklist that Saturday morning of all the things that would guide me and prepared to embark on my journey back in time: a silver Chevy Cavalier, with yellow Israeli plates, and a full tank of gas on the gravel road outside ready to start the journey; my American passport tucked into my bag, ready to wave at the pre-pubescent soldier waving me to pull over; camera in hand, I was ready to document history with one click and a flash. Dina Elmuti writes from occupied Palestine. 

Deadline looms for another student trapped inside Gaza

8 September 2008


During the last two days of August, the Egyptian authorities permitted approximately 3,300 people to cross the Gaza border at Rafah into Egypt “for humanitarian reasons.” The sight of more than 50 busloads of travelers heading out of Gaza may have given the impression that movement restrictions are finally easing inside the Gaza Strip. But almost 900 Gazans aboard the buses were turned back at the border. 

Israel turns Gaza into prison for Fulbright Scholar

Zohair M. Abu Shaban 4 September 2008


US officials came to my aid. They held special visa interviews along the Israeli-Gaza border for me and two other Fulbright scholars in a similar position. The US granted my visa. Once again I could imagine taking my seat in a lecture hall in America. I packed my bags, bought souvenirs for my future friends in America and bade farewell to my family. Then came a phone call that changed everything. My American visa had been revoked based on secret evidence provided by Israel. Zohair M. Abu Shaban comments. 

Another fig leaf for deception

Hasan Abu Nimah 4 September 2008


The closer we are to the end of the Bush administration the clearer it becomes that there will be no fulfillment of the repeated promises of a Palestinian state. This stark reality is becoming the uncontested conclusion of many of those who confidently wagered on the American “commitment.” Yet many are still unwilling to come to terms with reality and change their approach. They still look for a fig leaf to cover their exposure. Hasan Abu Nimah comments for EI. 

Book Review: "A Doctor in Galilee"

Raymond Deane 3 September 2008


In his foreword setting the historical and political context for the book, a useful and important document in itself, Jonathan Cook describes A Doctor in Galilee as “a key text for scholars, diplomats and journalists.” This it certainly is, but it is a very great deal more. It is, in fact, a work of literature of the highest quality. Raymond Deane reviews for The Electronic Intifada. 

Book release: "Poets for Palestine"

3 September 2008


Sixty years after the dispossession of the Palestinian people, Poets For Palestine, a unique collection of poetry, spoken word, hip-hop, and art has been released. Unifying a diverse range of poets who have used their words to elevate the consciousness of humanity, this book aims to bridge a younger generation of poets with those who, for decades, have cultivated and strengthened the poetic medium. 

"Political strikes" affect Gaza's health, education sectors

2 September 2008


RAMALLAH/GAZA (IRIN) - Strikes in state schools and the health sector are plaguing the Gaza Strip, causing turmoil and reminding all that the rival Fatah and Hamas factions in Gaza are still far from working out their differences. According to international observers, the strikes at hospitals in Gaza, which started on 30 August, led to a significant section of the medical workforce staying away. 

Jim Crow alive and well in Hebron

Joel Gulledge 3 September 2008


I left my home in the United States to spend the summer in the West Bank, where I was attacked by Israeli settlers late last month. As a member of the Christian Peacemaker Team, I went to the south Hebron Hills to help keep young Palestinian children safe from Israeli settlers intent on dominating and hurting Palestinians. Armed only with a video camera, it was my job to escort the children back and forth from school and summer camp. Joel Gulledge comments.