Stories about Humanitarian Response from January, 2009
Brazil: Reflecting On Our Very Own Gaza Strips
As the rest of the world, Brazilian bloggers are closely following the latest developments of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Opinions are divided, but the conflict has, nevertheless, led bloggers to reflect upon one thing: some feel that what is happening in Gaza has a parallel with the daily wars in the violence plagued shantytowns around the country – dubbed Brazil's very own Gaza Strips – where many innocent lives are claimed every day.
Palestine: “I see hatred in every blast pounding Gaza”
In this roundup of Gaza's blogs we hear about living without electricity, ways of getting the latest news, and white phosphorus shells. And an 11-year-old girl jokes: "It's like we are a scary movie. I'm sure people eat popcorn as they watch."
Egypt: Reporting Live from Rafah
Egyptian blogger and human rights activist Nora Younis has been watching the situation in Gaza closely and reporting live from Rafah, a Palestinian border town, where she spent her New Year's eve. Nermeen Edrees takes a closer look at Nora's blog to bring us this story.
Morocco: “Israel's Road Map for Peace”
A Moroccan About the World Around Him discusses Israel's “road map for peace.”
Palestine: “I do not want my kids to see me torn into pieces”
How does it feel to be unable to protect your children? In this roundup of blogs from Gaza we hear from a mother who is wracked with guilt at seeing her children's terror: "Was I mistaken to have kids in the first place? Do I not have the right to be a mother?"
Palestine: “How many deaths in Gaza is enough?”
As the Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, in this roundup of Gaza's blogs we hear about food shortages, the frustration of being stuck at home, the humour of medical workers - and a question from a young boy: "Mama – why don't the Israeli soldiers think before they shoot people?"
China and Hong Kong: Views on Gaza Conflicts
After the first intense air strikes in the Gaza Strip at the end of 2008, Israel continues the attacks on the densely populated Gaza in 2009 and it is expected to cost more Palestinian lives. While there are mass demonstrations against Israel’s military actions in London, Paris, Berlin, Athens and...
Palestine: “Israel targeting Medics in Gaza”
“A Palestinian medic, traveling with two international Human Rights Activists, was shot by Israeli forces in Jabaliya, northern Gaza. He is one of over a 9 medics killed by Israel during this attack, and 11 ambulances destroyed,” reports Palestinian Laila El-Haddad, who posts Al Jazeera footage to back her claim.
Costa Rica: 6.2 Earthquake leaves nationals and tourists stranded
A 6.2 Earthquake that was felt throughout Costa Rica, with the epicenter in Vara Blanca only 35 Km. away from the capital city of San José. In the Central Valley, damages consist of cracks and damaged goods fallen from shelves, however, the situation near the epicenter is devastating, as mountainsides collapsed and landslides caused flooding. It has yet to be estimated how many possible victims, although 3 deaths have been confirmed.
Egypt: Call to Help Gaza Patients Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Egyptian Mostafa Hussein urges his readers to help Palestinian patients injured in the Gaza War and being treated in Egyptian hospitals by transferring mobile credit to their phones – to help them keep in touch with family back home.
Egyptian bloggers visit injured Palestinians
Several groups of injured Palestinians crossed into the Egyptian territory via the Rafah Crossing and blogger Ahmed Al Sabbagh and Mohamed Hamdy organized a morale-boosting visit to the Red Crescent Hospital.
Palestine: “In Gaza, we are subject to news but cannot see TVs”
Yesterday (6 January) a UN school in Jabaliya refugee camp which was being used as a shelter, was struck by Israeli shells and about 40 people killed. Today, the Israeli military suspended its military operations for three hours, to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. In this post we hear the reactions of bloggers in Gaza.
Taiwan: Citizens against Gaza Conflict
Two pledge and joint signature movements against Gaza conflict just started at almost the same time today in Taiwan. One is initiated (zh) by Chuiyung Cheung(張翠容), a senior HK journalist and well-known blogger (zh) who has visited Gaza and most middle-east countries for many times, and Qiu Yanliang(丘延亮), a ex-political prisoner,...
Jordan: Gaza Food/Clothes Drive Ends Successfully
Jordanian bloggers at 7iber express gratitude towards volunteers and private sector companies for helping in a people-driven donations campaign conducted mainly through Facebook for Gaza.
Syria: Gaza On Our Minds
Syrian bloggers are in a frenzy since the bombing in Gaza started almost two weeks ago. To many Syrians this comes from a deep long rooted identification with the cause of the Palestinian people. But for some, there's also a very personal side to it. Yazan Badran reports.
Bangla Blogs: Praying For Peace In Gaza
“What's happening in Gaza is impossible to tolerate,” writes blogger Aprio, encapsulating in those few words the Bangla blogosphere's sentiments towards what most of them see as ‘Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians’. Rakib says that the current situation in Gaza is a ‘terrible humanitarian crisis’ . Ahmed Munir writes: ফিলিস্তিন...
Egypt: Shake and Bake
Does Israel use illegal phosphorus shells in Gaza? Do both parties should end military activities? And how about Arab countries canceling new years parties?.. Egy Diva asks.
Egypt: Would Hamas come out stronger?
MrEgypt wrote an article in which he asks if Hamas would come out stronger, after the current bombardment of the Gaza strip. He is also discussing the recent movements against the Arab regimes in support of Gaza.
Egypt: From Egyptian Artists to Artists of the World
Egyptian artists are lending their voices to the Palestinian cause, explaining to the rest of the world the history of the Arab-Israeli struggle from their view point. The initiative, spearheaded by Khaled El Sawy, a famous Egyptian actor and blogger, is called "A message from Egyptian artists to all artists of the world", and is targeted towards non-Arabs.
Palestine: UN School Hit By Israeli Shells; More than 40 Killed
At approximately 6:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Al Jazeera English reported that a UN school was hit when two tank shells exploded outside of the school. The school, located in Jabaliya, had been set up days ago as a shelter for Gaza residents who had lost or evacuated their homes. Over 40 people have been killed. Jillian York presents immediate reactions from the blogosphere and Twitter.
Palestine: “In Gaza our future is almost destroyed”
In this roundup of blogposts from Gaza we hear from a teenager who just lost her friend and is scared for her own life, about a medical worker who was killed as he went to save someone, and from a man who asserts his lack of political affiliation: "I'm not Fatah, not Hamas. I like vodka."
