Day 223

More Action in the Gaza Strip

Israel and Palestine are at it again.  Need I say more?

Day 156

Rebuilding Gaza

On the heels of Secretary of State Clinton's March visit to Israel and the West Bank, an undisclosed U.S. official states that the Obama Administration will give an estimated $900 million in aid to rebuild the Gaza Strip.  

It pains me to think of how different the world would be if we(universal we) directed money into instruments of construction rather than destruction.  

Day 134

Punxsutawney Phil vs Mahmoud Abbas

Happy Groundhog's Day! According to the sage rodent, there will be six more weeks of Winter- all this because the little guy saw his own shadow.  

On the heavier side of the news, Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization are involved in a power struggle of sorts. PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas has called for the recognization of the primacy of his organization as a condition for dialogue with Israel. In turn, Hamas has accused Abbas of siding with Israel....and the struggle continues. 

Last Israeli Solider Out of Gaza

I thought I should make a post to mark the end of end of the violence in Gaza.  The troubles are far from over, but at least the attacks have stopped. Now it's time to rebuild what has been destroyed. My thoughts immediately go to the portion of in Obama's auguration speech where he directly addresses the Muslim world:

"... know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."

Words applicable for ALL people, in my humble opinion.  

Wishful Thinking

I wish this handkerchief is the last one I stitch about the war in Gaza but I know it is wishful thinking.  

UN Relief Agency Bombed in Gaza

The UN Relief and Works Agency was struck today in Gaza.  The UNRWA distributes food to 750,000 of the 1.5 million Palestinians.  The compound was sheltering 700 people at the time of the bombing. 

The Egyptian Moment

Cairo takes center stage in negotiations for a Gaza cease fire as a senior Israeli defense official goes to hear Hama's response to an Egyptian-mediated plan to bring peace to the troubled region.  Hamas favors a non-amended proposal by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak calling for "immediate cease-fire and acceptance of withdrawal". The smuggling of arms to Gaza through the Egyptian border has been a constant concern and is central to Israeli conditions.  

Day 115

Republic of Lebanon

Lebanon fires rockets onto Northern Israel.  Israel's offensive continues into its 19th day.  Still no end in sight.  

Trying to Move On

No Peace in the Middle East

• Two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel
• Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert states that resolution is "unworkable"
• Alleged failure of Israeli Army to help wounded civilians in Gaza 
• UN calls for cease fire
• Hamas rejects cease fire
• United States abstains from UN Security Council vote on resolution

Last Tango in London

Khan Younis

Israeli troops move into Khan Younis, Gaza's second largest city.  Palestinian death toll reaches to approximately 550 with 2,500 injured.  Hospitals are overwhelmed. Food supplies low. Electricity and water down.  

Here are some quotes to ponder:

"The Zionists have legitimised the killing of their children by killing our children. They have legitimised the killing of their people all over the world by killing our people."  -Mahmoud Zahar, senior leader of Hamas

"When Israel is targeted, Israel is going to retaliate,"  - Tzipi Livni, Israeli Foreign Minister

An eye for an eye indeed. 

No End in Sight

I went to Trafalgar Square today and took this photo.  It looks so calm but yesterday it was the sight of a protest rally with estimated figures of 60,000 people. 

 

Ground Attack Begins in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is quickly deteriorating as Israeli forces start ground attack. Ibrahim al-Maqadna Mosque was hit at dusk killing 12 people.  Six of the 12 casualties were children. 

People around the world join in protest. I stumbled across this photograph of the protest in Rome:

Loaded, isn't it?