Israel condemns Argentina for recognizing Palestine as an independent state

[kuffki]

israeli right wing parties bombed the hell out of gaza recently, killing 1500 people, in response to rockets that maybe killed 1 person, the 'terrorism' is harassing resistance to an extremely repressive apartheid state; israel has a big army, they don't need to fire rockets, but these right wing settlers do however attack Palestinian farmers, destoy their crops, etc as mentioned before.. the maps posted by me and you clearly show that israel has not 'pulled out of most f the territories' they only pulled out of most of gaza, leaving this tiny strip of land with 1.5 million people cramed into it isolated and cut off from the rest of the country..they are split because they are physically split, they need cooperation from israel to reunite, likie with passage between the 2 territories..once israel signs the final agreement with abbas on borders, the minor terrorist attacks that are taking place now, and they ARE minor as an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months, and the rocket fire from gaza is way down, at that point militant resistance to israel can be stopped for good.. the israel can just make a few adjustments in their laws to address the grievances of israeli-arabs .. it's alot easier to solve this conflict than the western media and politics have people believe.

The amount of people killed by the rockets have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that rockets were fired.

Palestine can build a big army just as well, no one is stopping them. There sure is enough of International aid to build few army's over and with free supply of weapons from Syria and Iran, it really should not be a problem.

Hamas is welcome to invest in bomb shelters, since they do not plan to end the rockets, but they rather prefer to use civilians as human shields so that then they can use media and PR to show how bad Israel is.

Maps posted by you, do not even come close to maps posted by me and mind you, i did not finish posting maps, there are another 6-9 to post with ever changing borders.

I do apologize for Israel to have developed warning systems and bomb shelters to protect its citizens,perhaps better choice would be NOT to warn its citizens so that more can be killed, may be then the body count will be even

Edited December 12, 2010 by kuffki

[Ulysses G.]

an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months

That is only because they were forced to build a wall to keep out suicide bombers - which all the Israel haters whine and moan about.

[philw]

an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months

That is only because they were forced to build a wall to keep out suicide bombers - which all the Israel haters whine and moan about.

Chose, not forced.

And if as you the say, the wall is successful in keeping out the suicide bombers, why not now ease the sanctions and engage the Palestinians in a meaningful attempt at reconciliation ?

[kuffki]

an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months

That is only because they were forced to build a wall to keep out suicide bombers - which all the Israel haters whine and moan about.

Chose, not forced.

And if as you the say, the wall is successful in keeping out the suicide bombers, why not now ease the sanctions and engage the Palestinians in a meaningful attempt at reconciliation ?

Necessity and choice are not the same thing.

What sanctions do you speak of?

The only blockade in place is in Gaza, which is to stop Hamas from arming itself and fire rockets into Israel, which mind you has already been eased(the blockade that is)

[Ulysses G.]

When Hamas stops firing rockets, recognizes Israel and renounces violence, there will be plenty to talk about.

[philw]

an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months

That is only because they were forced to build a wall to keep out suicide bombers - which all the Israel haters whine and moan about.

Chose, not forced.

And if as you the say, the wall is successful in keeping out the suicide bombers, why not now ease the sanctions and engage the Palestinians in a meaningful attempt at reconciliation ?

Necessity and choice are not the same thing.

What sanctions do you speak of?

The only blockade in place is in Gaza, which is to stop Hamas from arming itself and fire rockets into Israel, which mind you has already been eased(the blockade that is)

Apologies for the length, but the devil is in the details, so they say.......

WHO: Medical Supplies Blocked From Entering Gaza

Lisa Schlein | Geneva 01 June 2010

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Related Articles

* Pressure Grows on Israel After Fatal Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla

* Egypt Opens Border With Gaza Strip to Allow Humanitarian Aid

* In Asia Protests, Condemnation Follow Israeli Raid on Gaza Flotilla

* Clinton Urges Caution in Aftermath of Gaza Flotilla Raid

* Aid to Gaza Strip Arriving from Egypt

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel is blocking vital medical supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. The U.N. agency says it is impossible to maintain a well-functioning health system if necessary supplies are not available.

The World Health Organization is renewing its appeal to the Israeli government to allow necessary medical equipment, spare parts, and repair crews to enter the Gaza Strip.

WHO spokesman Paul Garwood says the agency has been waiting for up to a year to be allowed to bring in hundreds of items. He says these include X-ray machines, electronic imaging scanners, laboratory equipment and basic items, such as elevators for hospitals.

"It is impossible to maintain a safe and effective health-care system under conditions of siege that have been in place now since June 2007," noted Garwood. "It is not enough to simply ensure that supplies such as drugs and consumables are able to enter the Gaza Strip. Medical equipment and spare parts must be available and be properly maintained."

Israel says it allows enough basic supplies through its border crossings to avoid an acute humanitarian crisis.

A WHO official in Jerusalem says the agency believes Israel is reluctant to allow certain items, such as batteries and electronic equipment into Gaza because it considers those items could potentially be used for military purposes.

Garwood says Gaza's health-care system also is not functioning as well as it could because Israel is preventing many medical professionals from leaving the Gaza Strip.

He says these people would like to go to other countries to continue their studies and upgrade their professional skills.

"If people are not able to enhance their skills in various medical specialties, therefore they cannot provide the high level of health care and services that the population needs," he added. "Again, if people are not able to enter Gaza to repair equipment, therefore, equipment must be re-bought new. So, the high costs in terms of running a health system are exacerbated by the inability to repair existing equipment. Authorities there must buy new equipment."

The U.N. agency reports mortality rates in Gaza are about 30 percent higher than among the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

The World Health Organization says chronic malnutrition in Gaza has increased during the past few years and is now just over 10 percent.

[philw]

an israeli hasn't been killed by a Palestinian for months

That is only because they were forced to build a wall to keep out suicide bombers - which all the Israel haters whine and moan about.

Chose, not forced.

And if as you the say, the wall is successful in keeping out the suicide bombers, why not now ease the sanctions and engage the Palestinians in a meaningful attempt at reconciliation ?

Necessity and choice are not the same thing.

What sanctions do you speak of?

The only blockade in place is in Gaza, which is to stop Hamas from arming itself and fire rockets into Israel, which mind you has already been eased(the blockade that is)

This is what I speak of..............

By Heather Sharp

BBC News, Jerusalem

Two years since Hamas seized control in Gaza, US President Barack Obama has strengthened his calls for an end to the crippling blockade Israel has imposed on the territory.

"If the people of Gaza have no hope, if they can't even get clean water… if the border closures are so tight that it is impossible for reconstruction… then that is not going to be a recipe for Israel's long-term security," he said in his recent speech in Cairo.

Israel says it is aiming to weaken Hamas, the Islamic movement that supports attacks on Israel and is holding its captured soldier, Gilad Shalit, while providing "support" for the civilian population.

Critics say the blockade has served only to punish Gaza's civilian population, destroy the politically more moderate private sector and boosted Hamas with taxes from smuggling tunnels from Egypt.

Men make mud bricks, Gaza

Gaza's new mud homes

Some basic foodstuffs and medicine are allowed into Gaza, but the UN says a whole host of other items, from building materials to footballs, musical instruments and lightbulbs, have not been allowed in.

Israel says steel pipes and fertilizer can be used to make the rockets Palestinian militants have fired in hundreds at Israeli towns, while cement can be used to build launching pads.

Other goods are blocked as they are considered "non-essential" or "luxury" items.

Virtually all exports are blocked, which has devastated Gaza's economy, pushing unemployment to 40%. Some 80% of the population live in poverty, if aid is discounted, according to UN figures.

Half Gaza's population depends on UN rations which cover only two-thirds of dietary requirements. Many families have little or no income with which to make up the shortfall.

Restricted fuel supplies for Gaza's power plant mean frequent power cuts; the power, water and sewage systems are in dire need of spare parts.

Graph: Trucks entering Gaza monthly

When the blockade was tightened in June 2007, an Israeli official described the policy in off-the-record comments as "no prosperity, no development, no humanitarian crisis", Michael Bailey of Oxfam told the BBC.

Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahyu, said he had never heard this phrase.

But he said there is not now, and has never been, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

'Catastrophic proportions'

In 2008, a group of Western aid agencies called the situation a "humanitarian crisis" and a "humanitarian implosion" - long before Operation Cast Lead damaged thousands of buildings, including schools and hospitals, and killed well over 1,000 people.

GAZA UNDER BLOCKADE: June 2009

40% unemployed

750,000 receive Unrwa food aid

No petrol or diesel since Nov 2008 (except UN)

Half required cooking gas allowed

Recently blocked items: light bulbs, candles, matches, books, musical instruments, crayons, clothing, shoes, mattresses, sheets, blankets, tea, coffee, chocolate, nuts

Virtually no building materials allowed in

Source: Unrwa and World Bank

Guide: Gaza under blockade

Gaza feud puts patients at risk

A year later, the World Health Organization says the blockade, Israeli military activity and divided Palestinian leadership had led to "a complex, chronic disaster of catastrophic proportions".

However the situation is described, few in the humanitarian community are optimistic, despite Mr Obama's comments.

Sari Bashi of the Israeli rights organisation Gisha says Israel's past reactions to US pressure have been "words not deeds".

In March, a few weeks after it came to international attention that a shipment of macaroni was blocked, Israel's cabinet voted to end restrictions on food products.

The Ministry of Defence later clarified that "the resolution did not intend to lift the restrictions imposed in the past", although it now says food items enter "almost without restriction" - apart from "gourmet items".

But this month the UN relief agency Unrwa said some food items - including tea, coffee, chocolate and nuts - were still not allowed in.

Changes mulled

Last week, Israel's security cabinet said it was examining ways to ease life in Gaza while maintaining Israel's security interests.

A government official who did not want to be named told the BBC one suggestion was shifting from the current situation - a list of items permitted, which changes from month to month - to a list of banned items.

Donkey cart, Gaza (file pic)

Donkey carts are a common sight in Gaza, where fuel entry is restricted

Aid agencies often complain the policy is too vague and is wasteful if items ordered are then denied entry.

Another option is to re-examine the policy on luxury goods, the official said.

The official said the government would review whether Hamas may be inadvertently benefiting from the blockade, which was "causing a boom time" for people who control the smuggling tunnels.

But the official said there was a risk Hamas could take the credit for any easing of the closures.

He did not mention building materials, which, with $4.5bn in international pledges for reconstruction remaining unspent, are one of the most urgent needs.

'Human crisis'

Mr Regev says these could be "siphoned off" by Hamas, which he says has happened "countless" times to aid in the past.

But Chris Gunness, spokesman for Unrwa, said the agency has a "watertight" system which has been "tried and tested" to the satisfaction of donor countries.

And Mr Bailey of Oxfam said the major agencies took "all possible steps" to track aid and could be held responsible for doing anything to benefit Hamas under anti-terrorism laws.

But he admitted that there may be "some loss at the margins" if a large volume of goods was involved.

Deliberations over a mechanism for tracking aid are not helped by the deep split between the Palestinian Authority, which Israel will deal with, and Hamas, which it shuns.

And two days before Israel's security cabinet discussed the blockade last week, Palestinian militants attempted what was apparently a major attack near the main fuel crossing - one of the reasons Israel has given in the past for closing crossings.

In the meantime, Mr Bailey says, "it's a humanitarian crisis for the people that have no money or are living in tents because their homes were destroyed".

"And it's a human crisis for one and half million people who don't know where to look for hope."

[kuffki]

Apologies for the length, but the devil is in the details, so they say.......

WHO: Medical Supplies Blocked From Entering Gaza

Lisa Schlein | Geneva 01 June 2010

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Related Articles

* Pressure Grows on Israel After Fatal Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla

* Egypt Opens Border With Gaza Strip to Allow Humanitarian Aid

* In Asia Protests, Condemnation Follow Israeli Raid on Gaza Flotilla

* Clinton Urges Caution in Aftermath of Gaza Flotilla Raid

* Aid to Gaza Strip Arriving from Egypt

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel is blocking vital medical supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. The U.N. agency says it is impossible to maintain a well-functioning health system if necessary supplies are not available.

The World Health Organization is renewing its appeal to the Israeli government to allow necessary medical equipment, spare parts, and repair crews to enter the Gaza Strip.

WHO spokesman Paul Garwood says the agency has been waiting for up to a year to be allowed to bring in hundreds of items. He says these include X-ray machines, electronic imaging scanners, laboratory equipment and basic items, such as elevators for hospitals.

"It is impossible to maintain a safe and effective health-care system under conditions of siege that have been in place now since June 2007," noted Garwood. "It is not enough to simply ensure that supplies such as drugs and consumables are able to enter the Gaza Strip. Medical equipment and spare parts must be available and be properly maintained."

Israel says it allows enough basic supplies through its border crossings to avoid an acute humanitarian crisis.

A WHO official in Jerusalem says the agency believes Israel is reluctant to allow certain items, such as batteries and electronic equipment into Gaza because it considers those items could potentially be used for military purposes.

Garwood says Gaza's health-care system also is not functioning as well as it could because Israel is preventing many medical professionals from leaving the Gaza Strip.

He says these people would like to go to other countries to continue their studies and upgrade their professional skills.

"If people are not able to enhance their skills in various medical specialties, therefore they cannot provide the high level of health care and services that the population needs," he added. "Again, if people are not able to enter Gaza to repair equipment, therefore, equipment must be re-bought new. So, the high costs in terms of running a health system are exacerbated by the inability to repair existing equipment. Authorities there must buy new equipment."

The U.N. agency reports mortality rates in Gaza are about 30 percent higher than among the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

The World Health Organization says chronic malnutrition in Gaza has increased during the past few years and is now just over 10 percent.

As i said blockade is only in Gaza to stop Hamas re-arming. As soon as Hamas choses to stop rocket attacks and stop all the terror the blockade will be lifted.

If you looking for someone to blame, you looking in the wrong direction

[philw]

Apologies for the length, but the devil is in the details, so they say.......

WHO: Medical Supplies Blocked From Entering Gaza

Lisa Schlein | Geneva 01 June 2010

Share This

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Related Articles

* Pressure Grows on Israel After Fatal Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla

* Egypt Opens Border With Gaza Strip to Allow Humanitarian Aid

* In Asia Protests, Condemnation Follow Israeli Raid on Gaza Flotilla

* Clinton Urges Caution in Aftermath of Gaza Flotilla Raid

* Aid to Gaza Strip Arriving from Egypt

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel is blocking vital medical supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. The U.N. agency says it is impossible to maintain a well-functioning health system if necessary supplies are not available.

The World Health Organization is renewing its appeal to the Israeli government to allow necessary medical equipment, spare parts, and repair crews to enter the Gaza Strip.

WHO spokesman Paul Garwood says the agency has been waiting for up to a year to be allowed to bring in hundreds of items. He says these include X-ray machines, electronic imaging scanners, laboratory equipment and basic items, such as elevators for hospitals.

"It is impossible to maintain a safe and effective health-care system under conditions of siege that have been in place now since June 2007," noted Garwood. "It is not enough to simply ensure that supplies such as drugs and consumables are able to enter the Gaza Strip. Medical equipment and spare parts must be available and be properly maintained."

Israel says it allows enough basic supplies through its border crossings to avoid an acute humanitarian crisis.

A WHO official in Jerusalem says the agency believes Israel is reluctant to allow certain items, such as batteries and electronic equipment into Gaza because it considers those items could potentially be used for military purposes.

Garwood says Gaza's health-care system also is not functioning as well as it could because Israel is preventing many medical professionals from leaving the Gaza Strip.

He says these people would like to go to other countries to continue their studies and upgrade their professional skills.

"If people are not able to enhance their skills in various medical specialties, therefore they cannot provide the high level of health care and services that the population needs," he added. "Again, if people are not able to enter Gaza to repair equipment, therefore, equipment must be re-bought new. So, the high costs in terms of running a health system are exacerbated by the inability to repair existing equipment. Authorities there must buy new equipment."

The U.N. agency reports mortality rates in Gaza are about 30 percent higher than among the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

The World Health Organization says chronic malnutrition in Gaza has increased during the past few years and is now just over 10 percent.

As i said blockade is only in Gaza to stop Hamas re-arming. As soon as Hamas choses to stop rocket attacks and stop all the terror the blockade will be lifted.

If you looking for someone to blame, you looking in the wrong direction

The sparsity of your comment speaks volumes.

I note your complete lack of reaction to the cited examples, examples that you requested..but then ignore.

Edited December 12, 2010 by philw

[kuffki]

This is what I speak of..............

By Heather Sharp

BBC News, Jerusalem

Two years since Hamas seized control in Gaza, US President Barack Obama has strengthened his calls for an end to the crippling blockade Israel has imposed on the territory.

"If the people of Gaza have no hope, if they can't even get clean water… if the border closures are so tight that it is impossible for reconstruction… then that is not going to be a recipe for Israel's long-term security," he said in his recent speech in Cairo.

Israel says it is aiming to weaken Hamas, the Islamic movement that supports attacks on Israel and is holding its captured soldier, Gilad Shalit, while providing "support" for the civilian population.

Critics say the blockade has served only to punish Gaza's civilian population, destroy the politically more moderate private sector and boosted Hamas with taxes from smuggling tunnels from Egypt.

Men make mud bricks, Gaza

Gaza's new mud homes

Some basic foodstuffs and medicine are allowed into Gaza, but the UN says a whole host of other items, from building materials to footballs, musical instruments and lightbulbs, have not been allowed in.

Israel says steel pipes and fertilizer can be used to make the rockets Palestinian militants have fired in hundreds at Israeli towns, while cement can be used to build launching pads.

Other goods are blocked as they are considered "non-essential" or "luxury" items.

Virtually all exports are blocked, which has devastated Gaza's economy, pushing unemployment to 40%. Some 80% of the population live in poverty, if aid is discounted, according to UN figures.

Half Gaza's population depends on UN rations which cover only two-thirds of dietary requirements. Many families have little or no income with which to make up the shortfall.

Restricted fuel supplies for Gaza's power plant mean frequent power cuts; the power, water and sewage systems are in dire need of spare parts.

Graph: Trucks entering Gaza monthly

When the blockade was tightened in June 2007, an Israeli official described the policy in off-the-record comments as "no prosperity, no development, no humanitarian crisis", Michael Bailey of Oxfam told the BBC.

Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahyu, said he had never heard this phrase.

But he said there is not now, and has never been, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

'Catastrophic proportions'

In 2008, a group of Western aid agencies called the situation a "humanitarian crisis" and a "humanitarian implosion" - long before Operation Cast Lead damaged thousands of buildings, including schools and hospitals, and killed well over 1,000 people.

GAZA UNDER BLOCKADE: June 2009

40% unemployed

750,000 receive Unrwa food aid

No petrol or diesel since Nov 2008 (except UN)

Half required cooking gas allowed

Recently blocked items: light bulbs, candles, matches, books, musical instruments, crayons, clothing, shoes, mattresses, sheets, blankets, tea, coffee, chocolate, nuts

Virtually no building materials allowed in

Source: Unrwa and World Bank

Guide: Gaza under blockade

Gaza feud puts patients at risk

A year later, the World Health Organization says the blockade, Israeli military activity and divided Palestinian leadership had led to "a complex, chronic disaster of catastrophic proportions".

However the situation is described, few in the humanitarian community are optimistic, despite Mr Obama's comments.

Sari Bashi of the Israeli rights organisation Gisha says Israel's past reactions to US pressure have been "words not deeds".

In March, a few weeks after it came to international attention that a shipment of macaroni was blocked, Israel's cabinet voted to end restrictions on food products.

The Ministry of Defence later clarified that "the resolution did not intend to lift the restrictions imposed in the past", although it now says food items enter "almost without restriction" - apart from "gourmet items".

But this month the UN relief agency Unrwa said some food items - including tea, coffee, chocolate and nuts - were still not allowed in.

Changes mulled

Last week, Israel's security cabinet said it was examining ways to ease life in Gaza while maintaining Israel's security interests.

A government official who did not want to be named told the BBC one suggestion was shifting from the current situation - a list of items permitted, which changes from month to month - to a list of banned items.

Donkey cart, Gaza (file pic)

Donkey carts are a common sight in Gaza, where fuel entry is restricted

Aid agencies often complain the policy is too vague and is wasteful if items ordered are then denied entry.

Another option is to re-examine the policy on luxury goods, the official said.

The official said the government would review whether Hamas may be inadvertently benefiting from the blockade, which was "causing a boom time" for people who control the smuggling tunnels.

But the official said there was a risk Hamas could take the credit for any easing of the closures.

He did not mention building materials, which, with $4.5bn in international pledges for reconstruction remaining unspent, are one of the most urgent needs.

'Human crisis'

Mr Regev says these could be "siphoned off" by Hamas, which he says has happened "countless" times to aid in the past.

But Chris Gunness, spokesman for Unrwa, said the agency has a "watertight" system which has been "tried and tested" to the satisfaction of donor countries.

And Mr Bailey of Oxfam said the major agencies took "all possible steps" to track aid and could be held responsible for doing anything to benefit Hamas under anti-terrorism laws.

But he admitted that there may be "some loss at the margins" if a large volume of goods was involved.

Deliberations over a mechanism for tracking aid are not helped by the deep split between the Palestinian Authority, which Israel will deal with, and Hamas, which it shuns.

And two days before Israel's security cabinet discussed the blockade last week, Palestinian militants attempted what was apparently a major attack near the main fuel crossing - one of the reasons Israel has given in the past for closing crossings.

In the meantime, Mr Bailey says, "it's a humanitarian crisis for the people that have no money or are living in tents because their homes were destroyed".

"And it's a human crisis for one and half million people who don't know where to look for hope."

"it's a human crisis for one and half million people who don't know where to look for hope" They can always start by opposing the government (Hamas) and its policy's towards Israel

They want to have good life and people in Israel also want to have a good life and not have to run to bomb shelter every few hours.

While the matter is very complicated and complex, its also very easy

No rockets and terror = No blockade and suffering.

I am sure more progress can be achieved with a partner who respects and recognize you, rather then one who refused to accept your existence and is only interested in your destruction.

On a personal note and that is my opinion only, Palestinian government should stop making demands which they know will never be met, one of them being Jerusalem as their capital. They should achieve peace and as much as possible to start the development and once they are in a better position, can always try to re-negotiate deals. This is how all business deals are done or how business deals fail.

[kuffki]

Apologies for the length, but the devil is in the details, so they say.......

WHO: Medical Supplies Blocked From Entering Gaza

Lisa Schlein | Geneva 01 June 2010

Share This

* Digg

* Facebook

* StumbleUpon

* Yahoo! Buzz

* del.icio.us

Related Articles

* Pressure Grows on Israel After Fatal Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla

* Egypt Opens Border With Gaza Strip to Allow Humanitarian Aid

* In Asia Protests, Condemnation Follow Israeli Raid on Gaza Flotilla

* Clinton Urges Caution in Aftermath of Gaza Flotilla Raid

* Aid to Gaza Strip Arriving from Egypt

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel is blocking vital medical supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. The U.N. agency says it is impossible to maintain a well-functioning health system if necessary supplies are not available.

The World Health Organization is renewing its appeal to the Israeli government to allow necessary medical equipment, spare parts, and repair crews to enter the Gaza Strip.

WHO spokesman Paul Garwood says the agency has been waiting for up to a year to be allowed to bring in hundreds of items. He says these include X-ray machines, electronic imaging scanners, laboratory equipment and basic items, such as elevators for hospitals.

"It is impossible to maintain a safe and effective health-care system under conditions of siege that have been in place now since June 2007," noted Garwood. "It is not enough to simply ensure that supplies such as drugs and consumables are able to enter the Gaza Strip. Medical equipment and spare parts must be available and be properly maintained."

Israel says it allows enough basic supplies through its border crossings to avoid an acute humanitarian crisis.

A WHO official in Jerusalem says the agency believes Israel is reluctant to allow certain items, such as batteries and electronic equipment into Gaza because it considers those items could potentially be used for military purposes.

Garwood says Gaza's health-care system also is not functioning as well as it could because Israel is preventing many medical professionals from leaving the Gaza Strip.

He says these people would like to go to other countries to continue their studies and upgrade their professional skills.

"If people are not able to enhance their skills in various medical specialties, therefore they cannot provide the high level of health care and services that the population needs," he added. "Again, if people are not able to enter Gaza to repair equipment, therefore, equipment must be re-bought new. So, the high costs in terms of running a health system are exacerbated by the inability to repair existing equipment. Authorities there must buy new equipment."

The U.N. agency reports mortality rates in Gaza are about 30 percent higher than among the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

The World Health Organization says chronic malnutrition in Gaza has increased during the past few years and is now just over 10 percent.

As i said blockade is only in Gaza to stop Hamas re-arming. As soon as Hamas choses to stop rocket attacks and stop all the terror the blockade will be lifted.

If you looking for someone to blame, you looking in the wrong direction

The sparsity of your comment speaks volumes.

I note your complete lack of reaction to the cited examples, examples that you requested..but then ignore.

What example have i ignored? I asked you about sanctions and i, myself posted that only Gaza had the blockade.

You want me to give you credit for posting links to what i, myself said??????

do you now deny the reasons for blockade? do you now deny rocket attacks by Hamas and where it originates?

[kuffki]

Something more recent for your information

Israel to ease Gaza blockade

http://www.cbc.ca/wo...a-blockade.html

Israel eases restrictions on goods bound for Gaza Strip http://www.washingto...0061700952.html

And just the other day, another easing was reported

PS. Sorry about the font, for some reason can not change it

PPS. Almost forgot, not so long ago Egyptian police also found a number of tunnels from Gaza which were are/were used to smuggle arms. So if the people of Gaza suffer so much, why is it that the government used the tunnel to smuggle arms rather then food and medical supplies and any other necessity's?

Is it because Hamas could not care less about its people? or because all Hamas cares about is re-arming to start with rocket attacks again, no matter at what costs.

So since Hamas does not care about its people, why should Israel care and put their needs before its own citizens?

Edited December 12, 2010 by kuffki

[philw]

Something more recent for your information

Israel to ease Gaza blockade

http://www.cbc.ca/wo...a-blockade.html

Israel eases restrictions on goods bound for Gaza Strip http://www.washingto...0061700952.html

And just the other day, another easing was reported

PS. Sorry about the font, for some reason can not change it

How humane..........

Very nice and no problem about the font.

You are a human and so am I , we both know the problem is politics and not the ordinary people.

I would love to see a solution that allowed space for all.

Maybe i'm simple but it actually only requires a bit of give and take on both sides.

And an open mind.

This should not be beyond either side.

Seemingly , it is.......

Most of the people in world want peace.

[kuffki]

Something more recent for your information

Israel to ease Gaza blockade

http://www.cbc.ca/wo...a-blockade.html

Israel eases restrictions on goods bound for Gaza Strip http://www.washingto...0061700952.html

And just the other day, another easing was reported

PS. Sorry about the font, for some reason can not change it

How humane..........

Very nice and no problem about the font.

You are a human and so am I , we both know the problem is politics and not the ordinary people.

I would love to see a solution that allowed space for all.

Maybe i'm simple but it actually only requires a bit of give and take on both sides.

And an open mind.

This should not be beyond either side.

Seemingly , it is.......

Most of the people in world want peace.

I agree with you 100%. all Israel is asking is to stop rocket attacks, denounce terror and recognize itself, which in a nutshel does not cost anything to Hamas.

Hamas on the other hand, refused to do any of the above, plus demands Jerusalem.

I am by no means saying Israel Government is a bunch of angels, but i think the main problem is Hamas.

Before Hamas took over things were getting better and improving, the moment they did-it all went sour and not only for Israel but for Palestinians also.

There is another problem, for which there is no solution. When Hamas was not in government they always carried out terror attacks on Israel and the problem is Palestinian Authority such as Abbas do not have the menpower nor the strength to "take care" of Hamas.

So even if Hamas was removed from power, they will still continue to attack Israel using civilians and their homes as shields.

Edited December 12, 2010 by kuffki

[koheesti]

As for the Gaza blockade, until maybe recently, Egypt enforced the blockade from their border with Gaza. Yet some people only blame the Israelis. Hmmm, I wonder why?

[pkspeaker]

someone said the reason an israeli hasn't been killied in months is because israel built a wall, that isn't true because i saw on the news that palestinian laborors routinly climb over parts of the wall to get to day jobs in israel, a few months ago israeli border police shot and killed 2 palestinian workers that were sneaking over, the wall makes life worse for palestininas but it still relativly easy for 1 person to sneak over or dig a tunel under it somewhere.. so hamas could still launch suicide attcks like they were at the height of the 2nd intefada, also a few suicide bombers during the 2nd intefada actually infiltrated from gaza which was already fenced in.. israelis are not being killed by these attacks because hamas and islamic jihad have decided to suspend that as a tactic of militant resistence ..

[Ulysses G.]

someone said the reason an israeli hasn't been killied in months is because israel built a wall, that isn't true

More propoganda. the wall has done its job well so radicals want to get rid of it.

Wall Necessary To Protect Israel

The article about the wall in Israel was biased. The wall is necessary as long as Palestinians carry out terror attacks. The wall has shown that it is a deterrence against attacks.

There will never be peace until the Palestinian authorities rein in the terror organizations. They will never get an effective cease-fire with the terror organizations, and the terror organizations have a vested interest in promoting terror.

Either the Palestinian authorities will not or cannot control the terror organizations.

http://articles.sun-...horities-israel

Edited December 12, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[Ulysses G.]

israelis are not being killed by these attacks because hamas and islamic jihad have decided to suspend that as a tactic of militant resistence ..

Yeah, sure.

To concentrate more on shooting rockets into civilian areas.

[koheesti]

someone said the reason an israeli hasn't been killied in months is because israel built a wall, that isn't true because i saw on the news that palestinian laborors routinly climb over parts of the wall to get to day jobs in israel, a few months ago israeli border police shot and killed 2 palestinian workers that were sneaking over, the wall makes life worse for palestininas but it still relativly easy for 1 person to sneak over or dig a tunel under it somewhere.. so hamas could still launch suicide attcks like they were at the height of the 2nd intefada, also a few suicide bombers during the 2nd intefada actually infiltrated from gaza which was already fenced in.. israelis are not being killed by these attacks because hamas and islamic jihad have decided to suspend that as a tactic of militant resistence ..

I thought the wall was in the West Bank where Fatah is running things and Hamas was in Gaza where there is no wall?