Stories about Humanitarian Response from January, 2009
Palestine: Communicating with Gaza
Under normal circumstances and despite a high rate of literacy, Palestine's Internet penetration rate stands between 13 and 15 per cent (including both the West Bank and Gaza). Given the ongoing attacks on Gaza, however, Internet access has been significantly diminished. Many Gaza residents are instead sending text messages and making phone calls abroad in the hopes that their stories will be told.
Philippines: New Year Flash Floods
Flash floods brought the festive mood of the New Year to an early close for the thousands of displaced families in different areas in the Philippines.
India: Compassion vs. Business
I love life… so I explore discusses a shocking story -“a baby was sold by the doctors of a hospital because the parents could not clear their dues” and raises...
Palestine: “Gaza is not searching for an aspirin for its bloody wound”
Using generators for power when necessary, a number of Palestinians and foreign activists are still managing to send out reports on what is happening in the Gaza Strip. Here are some of the blog posts of the last 24 hours.
Global: Protesters in Full Force Against Gaza War
Millions of people around the world took to the streets in protest against the Israeli attack on Gaza over the previous few days. Here's a selection of videos posted on YouTube featuring demonstrations from Tel Aviv, London, Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul, where citizens from all walks of life raised their voices and chanted for peace in the region.
Palestine: Cynthia McKinney Lived to Tell the Story
The Free Gaza Movement posts this article by American Green Party nominee for the US Presidential elections Cynthia McKinney, who is in Lebanon, after the boat she was in along...
Jordan: The Gaza Connection
As Israel continues its attack on Gaza, Jordanian bloggers move beyond condemning the violence and translate their words and feelings into action. Ebtihal Mahadeen brings us the story.
Morocco: 50,000 Strong for Gaza
The View from Fez reports that a crowd of nearly 50,000 gathered in Rabat on Sunday to protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Malaysia: Urban poverty
E Contrario writes that urban poverty is a serious problem in Malaysia.
Israel: Message of Peace to People of Gaza
Jewlicious posts a video “to the people of Gaza from the people of Israel” in Arabic, saying, “We do not hate you. We do not rejoice in your suffering… Please...
Israel: “Suddenly Concerned About Civilian Casualties? Spare Me!”
“UN Chief Ban calls for ‘immediate end to IDF ground operation!'” posts Treppenwitz's David Bogner. “Seriously, where were these useful idiots for the past few years while Israel was being...
Palestine: The people of Gaza “trapped, traumatized, terrorized”
Israeli ground troops have moved further into the Gaza Strip, and naval, air and land bombardment has continued. These are some of the blog posts that have come out of Gaza in the last 24 hours.
Americas: Calls for Peace in Palestine
Several Latin American bloggers are watching the events unfold in Gaza and they often feel helpless. They use their blogs to demand peace in the region. However, they also feel that after these bombings that achieving peace in the Middle East is now even further away.
Morocco: On Killing Palestinian Civilians
A Moroccan About the World Around Him provides a balanced perspective on what's going on in Gaza.
Syria: The Red Crescent Sends Convoys to Gaza
Today, Syria News Wire reported on the efforts of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in sending aid to Gaza. The humanitarian group, which is a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been successful in sending 11 lorries of 230 tons of medical products and food to Gaza.
Palestine: Israeli ground forces enter Gaza
On the evening of January 3, Israel sent ground troops and armoured vehicles into the Gaza Strip. Here are the first blog reactions from Palestine.
Egypt: How Can We Help Gaza?
Egyptian bloggers are rallying in support of Gaza, which is being pounded by the might of the Israeli forces for a week. Lasto Adri takes a look at blogs from her country and introduces us to some initiatives being pushed for by her colleagues who are asking: What can we do for Gaza?
Saudi Arabia: Who is to blame for Gaza?
As in the rest of the Arab world, Saudi Arabia's blogs have been full of commentary on the events in Gaza. However, there is no consensus as to who is politically responsible.
Egypt: Change The Channel Initiative Kicks Off
Egyptian bloggers embraced the Change the Channel initiative, spearheaded by blogger Tarek Amr to reflect positively on events and everyday life around them. Amr reviews blogs in this round up of posts from the day.
Palestine: “The earthquake in Gaza is unnatural, it's called Israel”
Gaza's bloggers describe welcoming in 2009 with the sound of F16s and "special fireworks", and a foreign activist explains why she has no intention of leaving.
Syria: Silent Demonstration for Gaza
Syrian blogger Dania reports on the silent demonstration organized by Syrian bloggers in-front of the European Commission in Damascus to protest the continuing Israeli onslaught on Gaza. She also publishes...
