Cartoon on the Israeli's assault on Gaza

A cartoon by Chapatte on the victims of the war: the civilians in Gaza. It's in french.

US Congressmen View Destruction in Gaza

First time in years US government officials enter Gaza. U.S. congressmen Baird and Ellison have issued a joint statement available on the web. Below an extract:


Inquiring about the status of relief efforts, the Congressmen learned that some aid material has been allowed in since the intensity of the attacks lessened a month ago, but much is still being blocked by the Israeli defense forces. An example of aid that has been banned by the Israeli Government includes lentils, macaroni, tomato paste, and other common food products. Basic building materials, generator fuel and parts to repair damaged water treatment equipment have also been kept out.

“If this had happened in our own country, there would be national outrage and an appeal for urgent assistance. We are glad that President Obama acted quickly to send much needed humanitarian funding to Gaza for this effort. However, the arbitrary and unreasonable Israeli limitations on food, and repair and reconstruction materials are unacceptable and indefensible. People; innocent children, women and non-combatants, are going without water, food and sanitation, while the things they so desperately need are sitting in trucks at the border, being denied permission to go in” said Ellison.

Beginning of a change?

Gaza Fishermen at risk as Israel hits arms smuggling

What's the situation like for Gaza fishers after the Israeli 22 day assault on Gaza? I just came across an article on reuters website looking at fishers in Gaza.
Fishing is still restricted to 3 miles from the shore. Fishers are regularly fired upon by the IDF, as before the 22 day assault.
The reduction in the coastal waters, Gaza fishers say, has allowed their Israeli and Egyptian counterparts access to the best hunting grounds, leaving slim pickings. In the meantime people in Gaza have no food.
The title of the article is Gaza Fishermen at risk as Israel hits arms smuggling....Since I've started this blog, fishers have always been at risk in Gaza. And there is no evidence of arms smuggling at sea.
The reuters article is dated february, 8th 2009.

Alain Gresh

Alain Gresh is a journalist and a specialist on the Middle East

I just came across his blog. The blog has 2 purposes: i) to inform people on the Middle East, and ii) to break away from the dominant view the media convey on the Middle East. Worth reading and following up onto.

Alain Gresh is editor of Le Monde diplomatique.

Gideon Levy / Gaza war ended in utter failure for Israel

A very interesting article by Gideon Levy for the Haaretz. Below a summary of the key points Levy develops:

- The initial objective of the war was to put an end to the firing of Qassam rockets. Defense officials estimate that Hamas still has 1,000 rockets.

- The war's second objective, the prevention of smuggling, was not met either. Smuggling will be renewed within two months.

- Israel's ability to achieve its third objective is also dubious. Deterrence, my foot. The sporadic firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip has continued over the past few days.

- The fourth objective, which remained undeclared, was not met either. The IDF has not restored its capability. It couldn't have against a miserable and poorly-equipped organization relying on makeshift weapons, whose combatants barely put up a fight.

So what was achieved, after all? As a war waged to satisfy considerations of internal politics, the operation has succeeded beyond all expectations. Likud Chair Benjamin Netanyahu is getting stronger in the polls.