Truemors
This is an eyewitness report from the NowPublic member Sameh Habeeb who was on the scene.
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Day 9 of Israeli War On Gaza
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by Sameh Habeeb | January 4, 2009 at 10:44 am
1487 views | 107 Recommendations | 38 comments
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Breaking News Five Palestinians killed in a bombing targeted Mus'ab Bin Umair mosque northern Gaza Strip.
Breaking News Five Palestinians from one family "Bakr" killed west of Gaza City. The mother was killed along with her 4 children in F16 rocket.
Breaking News Around 17 peoples killed in Al atatra family in Bait lahia town north of Gaza. Amongest them several children, two brothers, 20-year-old and many old men who were all killed by one rocket. Israeli tanks prevents ambulances from reaching wounded people in the same place. Among the recognized victims; Osama sliman, Mueen Abu aljdya, Ahmed Abu sltan, Hamaoda Abu sultan, Ali Al sous, Muhammad Al atar, Ahmed Tantish and one from Al shalfooh family.
Breaking News Three paramedics and ambulance staff killed by an artillery shell and F16 rocket near Shikh Ejlin area. The paramedics were in a mission of rescuing a family hit near Al mahrosa hall. The family still bleeding and no news coming up about them till this moment.
Gaza Strip,4, January, 2oo9- Israeli army started the ground military operation vowed of launching it years ago. Many Palestinian civilians killed and their number is dramatically rising. Meanwhile, a small number of Palestinian militants killed in the ongoing clashes through the Gaza Strip.
The operation started Saturday 8pm accompanied by heavy coverage from Artillery machine, naval gunboats and Air force. Five key access witnessed the advancement of Israeli army. In the north a group of tanks and soldiers advanced from Ertiz crossing and another group from Bait lahia town near the old settlement of Doghit. In east of Gaza City, several tanks advanced from the crossings of Al Muntar and Nahal Oz. Part of these troops advanced south east of Gaza and cut the main street of Slah Al edin. On the south, Israeli troops occupied the airport and set military outposts.
In Bait lahi town, a strike killed 17 people most of them civilians and amongst them children and medical staff of an ambulance vehicle. A number of injured were reported to be on the venue of bombings but medical vehicle were not able to reach them.
Condemnations from EU, Turkey, Arab and foreign countries didn't halt the Israeli military operation in the Strip. Humanitarian and medical conditions still dire. People committed to their houses without water due to power cuts and inability to operate key drinking water wills in Gaza.
Medicine students are being called to the local hospitals to deal with the number of victims which is dramatically going up. In opposition of Israeli key target of thing hamas militants, most of victims are civilians and this is so obvious in Gaza hospitals. Around 10 militant killed today and all the rest are normal people who have nothing to do with firing rockets and militants.
Deadly Outcomes of Israeli Ground Military Operation:
1- Israeli Air forces strike on a water will that provides fresh drinking water for thousands in Jabal Al Kashif east of Gaza City.
2-Air raid bombarded a printing house in Al Nasir area northern west of Gaza Strip. Two Palestinians killed and they are children according to the medical sources.
3-Extensive artillery bombardment on some houses and farms near Jabal Al kashif northern Gaza Strip.
4-More than 30 shells fall down on Al Nusairat Refugee Camp within 10 minutes. Many houses damaged and several people wounded.
5-Four Palestinians killed in Rafah City near the Egyptian borders.
6-Israeli F16s bombed a house in Al Janinai quarter in Rafah City and many people wounded in the strike.
7-Massive popular emigration into some schools in Jabalia Camp. Heavy bombings taking place beside them and a case of panic amongst children and women.
8-A rocket hit a house in Al Shija'ya densly populated quarter killing a child, a woman and an old man. Several people injured and all are civilians.
9-Air strike bombed a house in Al Zaytoun neighborhood. A massive fire set in the place and some adjacent houses.
10-A total house turned to rubbles after F16 rocket hit it in Al Yarmok quarter mid of Gaza City.
11-Artillary shell destroyed Al Yazji Bakary in Al Zaytoun qauarter. One killed and tens injured while buying bread to their families. The strike was followed by fire that totally burned the bakery.
12-Israel uses phosphorous firing bombs against the Gaza Strip. Additionally, more new heavy weapons are being used for the first time.
13- Apache helicopters open heavy machine fire into group of civilians in al Zaytoun area. Many people were killed and others injured.
14-Five Palestinian militants killed in the hottest conformation. Israel says she has killed around 30 militants.
15-Hamas says she has killed 9 Israeli soldiers and injured 28 and captured two soldiers. However, Israel says 3 of its soldiers killed while 28 wounded.
16-Hamas says it she has destroyed many Israeli tanks and injured 9 Israeli soliders in the north of Gaza town of Bait Lahia.
17-Palestininian factions still fire homemade rockets into Israeli settlements despite the ground military operation.
18-Israeli tanks shelled Al shayma' buildings northern Gaza Strip.
19-Bombings in the main busy square of Gaza and near the Main market. Medical sources report that many people killed and injured. Massive damage in the buildings around.
20-Four Palestinian brothers from Barbakh family killed due to a shell hit their house in Kahn Yonis City.
21-F16s raided on building for Ministry of religious affairs mid of Gaza City. Many people injured in that highly populated area.
22-Israel hit a group of innocent civilians sheltered to a school north of Gaza Strip. Medical sources states that around 8 killed and other number wounded.
23-News spread that Israel is asking hundreds of families to leave their houses in Al Moghraqa area. This areas is near the borders where Israelis started the ground military operation south east of Gaza.
24- A woman killed in Al Zaytoun quarter due to a rocket destroyed her house. Many people wounded in the strike.
25-Local Radios: A number of victims in an air strike near a mosque in Al Zaytoun quarter.
26-Israel uses strange smoking bombings on the ground while deadly fighting is taking place across Gaza strip.
27-Israeli tanks and armored vehicles occupied the sole Gaza airport in Rafah City. The airport was totally damaged before and bombed by tens of rockets and shells yesterday.
28-Israeli army bombed house of Al hilo family eastern Gaza City.
29-Palestinian militants they tried to fire an Israeli Apache.
30-A house for Dardona family bombed in Jabalia. One woman killed.
31-Israeli air force targeted city council of Om Al Nasir town in Rafah City.
32-Thousands of People flee their houses in the middle of Gaza Strip into Al Nusairat Refugee Camp.
33-Shalat family hit by an Israeli rocket and many people wounded.
34-Two children from Al Mashrawi family killed in Israeli bombing to their home.
35- Two Palestinians killed and many wounded in an Israeli Air force bombed Salah El din street between Khan Yonis and Rafah City. The bombings caused great damage in Electricity, water and infrastructure network services. Many people are not having water.
36-Israeli army shells Om Al nasir and Al atatra family.
37-Airforce raided on Al Omoor quarter near Rafah City.
38-Israeli Apaches heavily fire Al zaytoun area; many houses were affected.
39-Ambulance and Medical officer killed by an Israeli artliary shell north of Gaza Strip. His mate, khaled Abu sa'da was wounded.
40-Around 17 peoples killed in Al atatra family in Bait lahia town north of Gaza. Amongest them several children, two brothers, 20-year-old and many old men who were all killed by one rocket. Israeli tanks prevents ambulances from reaching wounded people in the same place. Among the recognized victims; Osama sliman, Mueen Abu aljdya, Ahmed Abu sltan, Hamaoda Abu sultan, Ali Al sous, Muhammad Al atar, Ahmed Tantish and one from Al shalfooh family.
41-Artillary shells target Al sorani farm mid of Gaza City, near Al nafaq street. A child was reported to be wounded.
42-Fire exchange between Israeli soldiers and group of Palestinian militants.
43-Israeli army cuts Gaza City and the northern areas by occupying the old settlement of Nitsarim which was evacuated in 2005.
44- Israeli army cut the transmission of Palestinian local radios and broadcast statements of warning asking civilians to leave their houses.
45-Medical sources reported that a Palestinian killed north of Rafah City and many wounded.
46-Five Palestinians from one family "Bakr" killed west of Gaza City. The mother was killed along with her 4 children in F16 rocket.
47-Three paramedics and ambulance staff killed by an artillery shell and F16 rocket near Shikh Ejlin area. The paramedics were in a mission of rescuing a family hit near Al mahrosa hall. The family still bleeding and no news coming up about them till this moment.
48-A family of five members hit by a missile while having dinner in Al Shati' Camp. The family members of Al Amodi are mostly in critical conditions. A child aged 9 in bad health conditions.
49-Medical sources in AL Shifa' hospital; 50 people wounded while bombing their houses in the north of Gaza. Some of them are children and oldmen.
50-A strike destroyed to rubble a house in Rafah Camp. Few people wounded in the nearby houses.
51-Five Palestinians killed in a bombing targeted Mus'ab Bin Umair mosque northern Gaza Strip.
52-Three Palestinians wounded due to a missile of F16 hit their house in Absan town, south of Gaza in Khan Yonis City.
53-Many Palestinian houses are occupied by Israeli soldiers in the mid area. Many explosions are taking place.
The second day of the ground started with heavy presence of air force and loud voice of artillery shells hitting some areas in Gaza Strip.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (38)
at 11:40 on January 4th, 2009
The Genocide continues.....
The president of the U.N. General Assembly has called Israel's ground assault into Gaza a "monstrosity".
Source: edition.cnn.com
at 13:44 on January 4th, 2009
I cannot feel sorry for the palistinians who are commited to the destruction of Israel and the jewish race. I also do not feel sorry for a country that will teach their children to hate and kill and will use cartoon characters to indoctrinate that hate. If they truly wanted peace let the palistinians get rid of the obstacle to peace.... HAMAS. As far as the UN is concerned they are nothing but a bunch of despots, what would you expect from them? Could this story be al taqqiya?
at 02:11 on January 5th, 2009
Iif you look at the map of Palestina 1946 and now, you have the answer for your questions.
at 13:51 on January 4th, 2009
Recommended
at 14:52 on January 4th, 2009
Lets be fair, why don't you list Hamas' rocket attacks on Israel. You know, say, between items 42 & 43 insert "Hamas fires a rocket at Israeli civilians". Or between 43 & 44 "Hamas places women & children in buildings used to store rockets".
at 17:03 on January 4th, 2009
The citizen reporter did list the homemade rockets, that is if one can read this fine photojournalist's reports at http://gazatoday.blogspot.com/ such as:
55-Palestinian factions fired around 10 missiles into Israeli
settlements and military bases.
The 9000 Israeli reservists called up from their civilian life now for the 'revenge' killing of Palestinian people, like their faction militia and Hamas reservist counterparts (teachers, working people) in Palestine, all store weapons and war materials at their homes where women and children also live. The rockets, I guess you would agrue, just don't reach that far, or Hamas and factions would also target those Israeli children as innocent as those you support killing in Gaza out of short-term revenge.
And Thank You Sameh A. Habeeb for your courage and reporting! Please more on the fine art culture in occupied Palestinian territory soon, when of course the killing hopefully stops. Thanks.
at 15:00 on January 4th, 2009
This is very biased "reporting" that should be dubbed propaganda instead of news, because it omits any mention of the events that brought about the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces. By firing rockets into Israel, by sending homicide bombers into Israel and by electing a terrorist government (i.e., Hamas), the Palestinians brought this mess upon themselves. Now, they are facing the consequences of their shameful actions.
at 17:08 on January 4th, 2009
As the King of Spain recently said to Hugo Chavez: Just, shut up.
I hope not to have to say that to you and expect a complete and well-documented proof of your allegations of 'propaganda' against Mr. Habeeb. You would otherwise be the sort of inhumane, disrespectful person who ignores the real horror of propaganda. To use such a horrid label casually, is to spit on the graves of millions who have perished with the help of propaganda machinery. Such a term one does not swing around casually, if one cares about the sanctity of human life and liberty. So put up your proof, or??
at 15:08 on January 4th, 2009
Sameh is reporting from his own personal perspective; the viewpoints presented here, however biased they may or may not be, should not be considered un-newsworthy simply because you do not agree with it.
It's worth considering that this kind of first-hand perspective is exactly what makes NowPublic a valuable resource. You are getting the unique opinion of someone on the scene. It's up to you how you process that information.
Please don't degrade the perspectives of others by labeling it propaganda. It's up to all of us to keep this a place for constructive discussion.
at 15:39 on January 4th, 2009
Thank you for addressing the attempted dismissal of Sameh's efforts as propaganda, Terri.
at 15:29 on January 4th, 2009
Well, with Obama now backing Israel, this will most likely get worth.
at 15:40 on January 4th, 2009
Obama's commitment to the "special relationship between the United States and Israel" in a way that suggested general sympathy for the Jewish state's actions.
Last July, Obama visited Sderot, a southern Israel town on the border of the Gaza Strip that has taken the brunt of Hamas attacks, Axelrod reminded host Chip Reid. "He said then that when bombs are raining down on your citizens, there is an urge to respond and act to try to put an end to that. That's what he said then. I think that's what he believes."
Obama offered deliberately strong lines of disapproval.
Hamas is a "terrorist organization," he opined, "responsible for the deaths of many innocents, and dedicated to Israel's destruction, as evidenced by their bombarding of Sderot in recent months. I support requiring Hamas to meet the international community's conditions of recognizing Israel, renouncing violence, and abiding by past agreements before they are treated as a legitimate actor.---Huffington post.
at 16:04 on January 4th, 2009
If Hamas are terrorist then so are Israeli, since 1948 they have caused the Palestinian nothing but trouble. Israel has expelled UN observers month ago and refused EU mediation, Further Israel has categorically refused UN peace keeper in Occupied Gaza as well as any where else in Palestine. Prime Minister Aso of Japan has just made the first rift in the post war history of Japan by opposing and strongly condemned Israel as well as the US for the support of this Apartheid state. China and Russia as well as the EU are all strongly condemning Israel by now as well as the US. Obama just lost a lot of support and sympathy around the World. Iran just won most of Asia as ally and this thanks to Israeli madness and US Political stupidity. Obama just made more enemies than he can handle.
at 16:37 on January 4th, 2009
Excuse me, but Egypt controlled Gaza and Jordon controlled the West Bank until 1967. Why didn't they do anything for the so-called refugees? Why did they let them live in squalor?
When Israel controlled Gaza they opened it up for business. The farmers and the manufacturers had contracts with Israeli firms which created wealth and jobs and they let Gazians take jobs in Israel. They also gave Gazians access to the Israeli courts.
Hamas worsened the lives of Gazians by using the border crossings to send in suicide bombers and by taking raw materials destined for farms and industry and using them to build rockets. Gazians have only Hamas to blame for their plight.
at 16:45 on January 4th, 2009
Israel was build on the territory where the Palestinian lived for over 2000 years, why did they expropriated them and forced them out? Could they not have let them keep their homes and farm in what is today Israel? You may want to read what Fact book says. Hamas was elected and Israel pushed them out. Neither is innocent here. However why did Israel expel UN observer, refused UN intervention and EU mediation? This massacre was planned a long time ago already and Israel has no intention of giving Palestinian their territories back nor making peace or giving justice.
at 17:06 on January 4th, 2009
Palestine was a territory, not a people, nationality, or a language. 'Palestine' is named for the Philistines, who were European in origin. 'Palestinians' are Arabs, period, many of whom were nomadic. When the region of Palestine was divided into seperate countries following WW2, Arabs were invited to live in Israel if they so desired. Jordan is also part of what was once Palestine. Jordan was given the fertile Jordan river region, while Israel was created out of barren desert. And what did the Arabs do the day Israel officially became a country? Attacked from all sides. And it continues to this day.
at 17:28 on January 4th, 2009
Most people in the Mediterranean area are of European origin mixed with Arab and Persian. If the Palestinian are not a People then same could be said about Austria, Switzerland and Israel as well as many others including all of North America.
The US can not be a nation nor a people following your logic since they are not a distinct race nor do they have a distinct languish either. There for it would be okay to displace them since they do not have any rights in that place any how, somewhat what the Native Americans are being saying for 300 years or more.
In that case the land that is today Israel and Lebanon would belong to the Phoenician or their descendent. And the US should be returned to the descendent of the first Nations as well.
at 18:46 on January 4th, 2009
The concept of 'Palestinians' came around when Arafat formed his terrorist PLO. Before that, they were nomadic Arabs living in a large region (NOT a Country) referred to as Palestine, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Arabs in Jordan are the same as the Arabs who lived in the area which became Israel.
Did it cross your mind that Israel was created in the aftermath of the Holocaust? It seems to me that people like you are mainly interested in being right, and create spurious nonsequitor arguments toward that aim. Grow up.
at 19:10 on January 4th, 2009
Israel was created in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust and Soviet prosecution yes. Following this logic we will have to create a state for the Totsy, Tuaregs, Berber, Native American, and the list goes on and on... What is right for one can not be wrong for another. Then the Basque and Norman and the Coarse should all have their state. And those that do not have land would have to be given land even if it does mean displace some one else causing another human tragedy.
Are you Arab-phobic or Islam-o-phobic maybe even racist by any chance? After all you insult others being anti-Semitic.
I am not against Israel nor Palestine, I am though in favour of justice and equal rights.
Speaking of Holocaust, this is what the Palestinian are living through for a very long time now. I suppose you have never been there and seen those camps and talked to the people nor tried to work there as a aid worker. Maybe you should, it would be an enlightening experience regardless of your race, religion or nationality.
at 19:29 on January 4th, 2009
The 'Palestinians' have constructed a self imposed 'Holocaust' by continually attacking Israel. Israel doesn't send suicide bombers into other countries. Israel doesn't lob random rockets at its neighbors in hopes of killing civilians. Israel seizes land from which it's attackers operate, and eventually gives it back.. They gave back the Gaza Strip, and nothing has changed. The 'Palestinians' backed themselves into their own corner, there isn't much else Israel can do.
As for your nonsequitor argument about other peoples who have suffered genocide, be my guest and help them set up their own seperate countries. But don't come crying to me if their neighbors decide they should be wiped off the map in spite of the suffering they've endured.
Trying to paint me as a racist is a good sign, it means that you are feeling embarassed by the stupidity of your comments
at 19:54 on January 4th, 2009
nyctuber, you did call me anti-Semitic in the first place, and I asked you if this was because you may be Islam-o-phobic, arab-o-phobic or Racist? I did actually never call you racist.
I did however ask the question since you did call me anti-Semitic. Big difference in the sequence of arguments.
Since you agree that others that suffered displacement, genocide and injustice should have their own state why not take part of Israel, the USA and other states around the world and do exactly that. I am sure the US nor Israel or any one else would not mind at all.
The Gaza strip was never given back, it just became a prison of sort and the UN still calls it occupied territories by the state of Israel for good reasons.
The State of Israel does not need to use Suicide bomber it has F-16 and Missiles that kill far more people and cause even greater terror. One can not win against terrorism with terrorism. If that was the case then the European would have bombed half of Europe due to the terrorist activities such as the FLN, RAF, IRA, BMG and the Coarse or Basque and so on. Yet no they do not bomb cities and kill civilian and still manage to fight terrorism successfully. What Israel does is not fighting terrorism, it is causing terrorism.
If Israel would really want peace, then it would have allowed UN peace keeper in a long time ago and not refused to even let observers in since it did kick them out.
I am certainly not against any religion race or culture nor any group or ethnicity, however I can not agree with the Actions of the state of Israel nor could I agree with the action of Hamas though or the US in Iraq, or Burma. Does that make me Anti some thing? I do not thing so.
at 19:58 on January 4th, 2009
Your willful ignorance fits the antisemitic profile, yep.
The Gaza Strip was given back to the extent that Israel can continue to protect itself.
Israel does not instigate attacks on it's neighbors with the intent of Genocide. The same can not be said of it's neighbors.
I dont really know what else to tell you, you obviously have zero grasp on the history of the conflict and continue to try to compare Israel's position other Nations/Nationalities, which is silly and irrelevant.
at 20:02 on January 4th, 2009
nycuber, I do feel sorry for you. Be well.
at 20:06 on January 4th, 2009
Next time you feel like making a pseudointellectual argument about something which you know nothing about, don't.
Have a nice day.
at 20:17 on January 4th, 2009
Code of Conduct
Thank you for reading and following.
at 21:22 on January 4th, 2009
Did I hurt your fragile ego?
That's really too bad.
at 21:54 on January 4th, 2009
Israeli Terrorism — Cause & Effect
A Radical Jewish Perspective
by Marvin Ratner
In October I was walking thru the Old City of Jerusalem with some friends. Without warning, a hand grenade exploded nearby, causing panic and terror in the ancient street. Fortunately for me, I was about ten feet outside of the blast zone, but my friend Jack was not so lucky and suffered a severe stomach injury from shrapnel. We loaded Jack onto a door, into a jeep, and were at the hospital emergency room within 20 minutes. When I asked the nurse how many people were hurt, she replied, “13 Jews”. I then asked if anyone else was hurt. “Three Arabs,” she replied.
Though I was sickened by the bloody injury and pain of my close friend, the nurse’s answer sickened me more. Clearly this attitude, that the Arabs are not people, was the foundation of hatred that created the environment of terror and loathing that produced the ‘terrorist’ who threw the grenade with intent to kill and maim his perceived enemy.
The recent violence in Lebanon and Gaza similarly leaves me with a sickening disquietude, a deep sadness and anger towards the Israeli government. That government continues to engage in a reign of terror in which the well being of innocent civilians has been entirely disregarded. Daily, people are killed, injured and displaced thru these ruthless exercises of military force. It has been a reckless and reactionary retribution leveled against an innocent collective populace in response to the actions of “terrorists” who, for their part, believe that they are justified freedom fighters acting to rid their people of an oppressive occupier who has taken away their land and methodically destroyed the livelihood and culture of the Palestinian People. These terrorists also randomly attack innocent people, and so the cycle of violence expands and intensifies, both parties self-righteous in their cause. Both sides protect what they perceive as self-interest yet jeopardize their very survival through hatred and violence, precluding the very peace and just solution that is so desperately needed.
The bombing of power plants in Gaza, and the ruthless destruction of the infrastructure of Lebanon have only caused human misery, displacing a million people, injuring and killing thousands of innocents, and creating impoverished refugees. Predictably, the resultant culture of hatred will produce a new wave of so-called terrorists willing to fight, kill and die for what they understand to be their own dignity and survival. The numbers of willing recruits are now ten times what they were before this current wave of wanton violence.
The Israeli government claims that it fights for the survival of the State of Israel, but their over-reaction and the magnitude of the violence against innocent life is in fact a root cause of the hatred being directed against them. These acts are only the latest in a barbaric tradition of escalating reciprocity. They are only matched in craziness by Israel’s claim that to be a good Jew requires supporting the acts of Israel, right or wrong. I reject this linkage because these actions are both wrong and abhorrent. In the sixties, I spoke out against our country’s involvement in Vietnam because we were waging an immoral war. I now urge all Jews and people of conscience to speak out on this subject.
Hatred begets hatred. War, death and destruction are the inevitable result of distrust, prejudice and the self-righteous attitude that “we” are superior to “them”, that “our” needs must be met, while “their” needs are irrelevant. For this era of war to end, there must emerge a call for justice leading to attitudes of forgiveness, mutual respect and compromise, for both the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples. There will never be Victory, unless it be a Victory through Peace and Understanding.
Trust in God, but tether your camels. Namaste.
Marvin Ratner is a spiritual seeker and world traveler. He recently returned to Ashland, Oregon after 10 years overseas. Currently semi-retired, he has taught university, imported handcrafts from Asia, and enjoys nature, massage, personal growth, meeting interesting people and forming new relationships. “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.” Email Marvin at marvinratner@msn.com
at 15:47 on January 4th, 2009
From Palestinian Refugees: Facts and Figures:
Available data on the Palestinian refugee and displaced population is characterized by uneven quality and uncertainty primarily due to the absence of a comprehensive registration system, frequent migration for political and economic reasons, and the lack of a uniform definition of a Palestine refugee. Generally, most Palestinian refugees are considered to be prima facie refugees (i.e., in the absence of evidence to the contrary).
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) administers the only registration system for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA records, however, only include those refugees displaced in 1948 (and their descendents) in need of assistance and located in UNRWA areas of operation - West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Estimates of the refugee and displaced population may also be derived from statistics maintained by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); census data from host countries and Israel; and, population growth projections.
It is estimated that there were more than 7 million Palestinian refugees and displaced persons at the beginning of 2003. This includes Palestinian refugees displaced in 1948 and registered for assistance with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) (3.97 million); Palestinian refugees displaced in 1948 but not registered for assistance (1.54 million); Palestinian refugees displaced for the first time in 1967 (753,000); 1948 internally displaced Palestinians (274,000); and, 1967 internally displaced Palestinians (150,000).
at 17:15 on January 4th, 2009
Refugees? In 1948 the Arab states told the Arab residents of Israel to leave and they would push the Jews into the sea. Then the residents could return and regain their property as well as the Jewish property. Looks like things didn't go according to plan.
Why can't the Arab states absorb their so-called refugees? When the Arabs controlled the West Bank and Gaza why didn't they help their so-called "Arab brothers"? Why are their still "refugee" camps in Lebanon? Why won't the Lebanese absorb them? Aftfer all, if Israel can absorb millions of their people why can't the Arabs do the same for their "brothers"?
Why can't their "Arab brothers" use their oil wealth to help them? I guess they'd rather invest in Las Vegas casinos (sex, alcohol, and gambling -- they're such good Muslims), New York banks, and Colorado ski resorts then aid their "brothers". And why won't Egypt help them now?
It looks like other Arabs simply don't like these people....perhaps someone can tell us why.
The Palestinians are the only people with a UN agency to support them. What makes them so special, why not an agency to help the Darfur refugees? Oh wait, their being slaughtered by an Arab government, Sudan. I don't hear Hamas and others condemning Sudan over that.
Do Arabs think they have a special right to kill others who are of a different color or religion? And to do so without retaliation? Jeez.
at 16:47 on January 4th, 2009
NOTE: According to Gazamom, there was a strike near Sameh Habeeb's residence in Gaza City.