GAZA 1-10-2008

10, January 2008 GAZA
The situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour. The Israeli siege of Gaza constitutes an international crime of collective punishment. Food and other basic necessities, including desperately needed medical supplies, have been halted. Garbage rots on the streets because Israel has severely restricted fuel supplies to operate garbage trucks. Most businesses have closed their doors and laid off their workers. Local health clinics are closing down due to lack of medical supplies.  The 1.5 million Palestinians residing in Gaza, driven from their ancestral homes, constitute one of the most impoverished people of the world. 

The 25 mile strip, under total Israeli control, has been reduced to a giant concentration camp. Israel has destroyed the airport and prevented the construction of a harbor. It is reneged on its promise to allow a “safe passage” to the West Bank. Predictably, President Bush has failed to condemn the illegal settlements which have stolen huge swaths of Palestinian land. It is time for Americans of all stripes to vigorously oppose the state sponsored terror unleashed on the Palestinians and demand Israel abides by international law.