What future lies ahead for the people of Gaza?

by Sameh Habeeb | July 31, 2009 at 12:24 pm

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From The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper. A new Newspaper from Gaza

http://www.paltelegraph.com

Palestine, July 31, 2009, (PalTelegraph) - Despite NATO and IDF forces telling us Depleted Uranium (DU) has not been used, we keep finding evidence in all theaters of war to prove otherwise.

The Balkans was an excellent example as to how NATO deceived the world in denying its usage. Evidence was eventually produced and they were then forced to admit to its extensive usage. The UNEP were called in twice to evaluate the locations and levels of contamination.

Their first report revealed gross neglect in not testing known DU-contaminated military vehicles, and also the fact that they only carried out selective sampling at respective roadside locations. The UNEP's second visit was much more indepth, but its final report concluded that Low Level Radiation (such as DU) did not present itself as a health hazard to humans. This early assessment would not only prove incorrect, but would also reveal that the methods used were totally outdated.

To give some comparison as to how harmful DU can be, we can revisit the report that was published late last year, as per below. The reader will clearly see the medical status pre-Balkans War, and the post evidence. This comparison has been repeated in so many areas of conflict with the best example being the pre and post medical reports from Southern Iraq, centred on the Basra area. We see time and time again the UN fail in its ability to represent its members and their respective populations. Simple logic has now revealed that Low Level Radiation (LLR), such as DU, is certainly a major health hazard and that an independent enquiry is urgently required. It must be carried out without any involvement by the respective governments, departments of defence, military or representatives from the nuclear industry. It should be monitored under the watchful eye of a select committee with total media transparency.

This article was published in Croatian "Javno" 2008:

NATO - Still killing People in Kosovo

Back in 1999 NATO carried out a 78-day shelling of Serbia and Kosovo. They allegedly used depleted uranium which continues to kill people.

Nine years after NATO's bombing of Serbia, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is still taking lives in Kosovo, Serbia's Press online reported. The NATO allegedly used shells with depleted uranium which are still today causing an increase in the number of cancer patients. Prior to 1999, the number of Serbs who suffered from malignant tumours was three times lesser, according to the statistics of Serb hospitals. In Kosovo's Kosovska Mitrovica in 2005 there were 38 percent more cancer patients than in 2004.In those two years, a total of 3,500 cancer cases in Kosovo Albanians were diagnosed. Globally, six people out of a thousand suffer from malignant tumours on average. In the Kosovska Mitrovica hospital, there are 200 cancer patients to 1,000 people.

NATO used weapons banned by international conventions?

After 2000, groups of experts in atomic energy tested water, food, air, plants and animals to establish the damage caused by radiation from NATO shells. Beta and Gamma radiation was higher than the permissible level and radiation was discovered in the soil, water, plants and animals. After it gets into the soil, it takes some 250 years for depleted uranium to degrade.

The conclusions of the studies were that the environment on 100 locations in Kosovo was not safe for animals or people, but no bans or moving of the population was carried out.

European peace troops stationed in Kosovo knew there was great danger of radiation in these areas. Italian military experts concluded in 2005 that 34 soldiers had died from leukaemia and various malignant tumours. Since then 150 soldiers from Kosovo were sent home.

In mid-2000 NATO published a map with 112 marked locations that had been shelled with depleted uranium. Over the 78 days of NATO bombing, a total of 31,000 shells with depleted uranium, weapons banned by international treaties, were dropped in Kosovo. Objavljeno: 17.11.2008. u 12:04h.

It is interesting to note that only one country so far as attempted to address this major world DU contamination problem. Belgium voted unanimously on the 22nd of March 2007 to ban DU ammunition from the 20th of June 2009. It was stated that the Belgium Ministry of Defence had said that they haven't bought any and won't buy them in the future. The Foreign Minister was asked whether a ban would be possible, he replied "We can't do it, because NATO and the UN aren't encouraging it. So long as there is no international ban, it isn't possible for a small country like ours to ban them".

The fact that Belgium has embarked on this path is truly a remarkable achievement. The Port of Antwerp has in the past played a major role in both receiving and despatching weaponry. It is even more remarkable that this small country houses the NATO Headquarters, in Brussels and is the political headquarters of the Alliance and the permanent home of the North Atlantic Council NATO' as well as US Nuclear Weapons. Belgium has managed to reach this wonderful decision despite the Belgium Prime Minister receiving a call from the US Government asking him not to let the ban go through.

A lot of money has been spent on poor quality research and the propaganda machine to reassure the public that Low Level Radiation (LLR) is no threat to health despite the fact that other independent experts have said the opposite.

The following is an extract from http://www.counterpunch.org/du.html dated 5th February 2001:

Months of bombing of Iraq by US and British planes and cruise missiles has left behind an even more deadly and insidious legacy: tons of shell casings, bullets and bomb fragments laced with depleted uranium. In all, the US hit Iraqi targets with more than 970 radioactive bombs and missiles.

More than 10 years later, the health consequences from this radioactive bombing campaign are beginning to come into focus. And they are dire, indeed. Iraqi physicians call it "the white death"-leukaemia. Since 1990, the incident rate of leukaemia in Iraq has grown by more than 600 percent.

"The desert dust carries death," said Dr. Jawad Al-Ali, an oncologist and member England's Royal Society of Physicians. "Our studies indicate that more than forty percent of the population around Basra will get cancer. We are living through another Hiroshima."

This is part of a larger horror inflicted on Iraq that sees as many as 180 children dying every day, according to mortality figures compiled by UNICEF.

So what is the future for Gaza and all the people in the region? Only time will tell. The coming months and years will reveal the truth through medical statistics and by taking further samples from victims, bomb sites and fragments. Will the IDF be forced to admit it has used such weapons on both Lebanon and Gaza.......I don't think so!

- Peter Eyre, Middle East Consultant

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158

at 12:32 on July 31st, 2009

Gaza's main problem s they have a gang of terrorists as leaders, terrorists who murdered thousands of Gazans in a military coup in 2005, terrorists who stupidly fired rockets at Israeli civilians, then hid like rats when the Israeli army entered Gaza to end their attacks.

As long as Hamas rules Gaza there is no hope. When Hamas is gone then Gazans will have a chance at a real futuire.

Sameh Habeeb

at 12:34 on July 31st, 2009

Wow

But tell me? are they are terrorists like Israeli goverment now?

Liberman who is a killer

There was no hamas before but we got no peace.

Stop playing with facts in such crazy way!

158

at 12:51 on July 31st, 2009

Hamas foreign minister to al Jazeera

"Jewish children world wide are a legitimate target." That defines terrorism.,

And firing missiles at the civilians of a neighbor 100 times stronger defines stupidity.

And hiding behind civilians after provoking an invasion defines cowardice.

I repeat, Hamas is 95% responsible for Gaza's problems.

Arbol

at 13:39 on July 31st, 2009

Mmm... right. Can I see that interview Al-Zahar supposedly gave AlJazeera? Because the only one I've found is this one, which only says "We have repeatedly explained the concept of resistance. The resistance is, first rejection of the occupation and the injustice, the resistance is rejection of abuse of rights. This idea led to [the emergence] of Hamas, the Islamic resistance movement, under this name, before it fired a single bullet at the Jews." Sounds fair to me.

On the other hand, i found two israeli media (duh) that do cite your "Jewish children world wide are a legitimate target", but in a very ambiguous, propaganda-like way. In other words, bs.

158

at 14:46 on July 31st, 2009

It was discussed here months ago. You can look it up.Respond to he issue. Hamas stupidly provoked a war they could not win by trying to murder Jews by firing rockets at civilians.,

And their so called army killed 6 Israeli soldiers in a month of war. 100 half blind old men willing to fight could have done better.,

And since 2006 Hamas has killed far more Gazans than has Israel.,

Sameh Habeeb

at 13:05 on July 31st, 2009

Your old Testmeant urge on Killing of Palestinians! Can you deny it?

Your old Testeament which is the constitution of Israel says u are choosen people.

It says that the people of Egypt are donkeys.

The highest Israel Rabbai Upadia Yosef said a week ago in a speech he made: We will throw palestinians and Arabs out by the help of Messaih......

So who is the killer now?

158

at 14:55 on July 31st, 2009

Grow up. You have no idea of what my religion is, so drop the racism.

You ignore the issue, as usual.

You are in effect saying you can justify and commit murder of innocents by claiming someone else did.

Just who started that war by firing thousands of rockets at Jewish children.?

Sameh Habeeb

at 16:13 on July 31st, 2009

Come on Habibi,

You should have the knowledge, by the way. I started reading your Old Testmeant...

I'm proud that i started to think the way Israelis do, this will certainly enable me to debate you and the lies of Israel!

sam

tikun

at 13:21 on July 31st, 2009

Sameh,

Your last comments shows that you have no clue about reality. You have shown that your stereotypes about Israel and it's people underlie the reason Gaza sits in a pile of garbage. Foolish statements and silly remarks that no educated person would ever use as a reason to hate.

If you can stand up and take a real look at the killer of Palestinians in Gaza it will be clear to you also that Hamas is the culprit. Hamas is interested in subjugating your people so it can fit into a lifestyle that prolongs abuse of freedom and expression.

The tragedy is that you can not see it. Sad but true.

The fact that you can actually say that the "old testament" is the constitution of Israel also makes it clear how far we need to go in order for you to unlearn this ridiculous propaganda.

Sameh Habeeb

at 13:30 on July 31st, 2009

Ohhh come on Man....

Don't be playfull by words. Face the Music and tell me what do you think.

this is not propganda. But you zionist guys hate anyone criticize Israel. You want to controll the whole world......

The greater tragedy is what the people of Israel did....they have brought a group of terriosts like Liberman...Can you deny this? Can you deny the problems between USA and Israel because of settllments. Religion is the reason man!

This govt. in Israel can't say No for settlment since they can't face the religoues leadership of Israel!

I wish i can debate you Face-to-Face.

I'm avilable for that in Lodon now. If you can't do that, send me any Zionist to do it!

sam

158

at 15:00 on July 31st, 2009

Zionist? Should we then call you and all arabs extremist Islamist Terrorists?

You speak like an anti Semite. Most israelis were born in Israel. You make it about religion.

Be honest. AAre you defendin g HGamas firing rockets at Jewish childrenb and claiming the right to kill any Jewish children?

Sameh Habeeb

at 15:15 on July 31st, 2009

wow

You know man, I like debating others, espically those who don't allow arabs and Palestinians to speak like you.

I'm a journalist, never liked Hamas or Fatah, i'm Palestinian who loves his nation.

You speak about rockets? What rockets of Hamas you speak about? Why don't you explain them?

Why didn't you say that: According to Israeli intelegence 28 Israelies were killed in 4 years...by the playing fire rockets of Hamas......while thousands of Palestinians killed by Israeli rockets last but not least last Hollocust done by your Gov.

Then, why you say anti-semtic? What's anti semtism man? I hope you explain this for the readers! then i will debate u!

Uwe Paschen

at 19:05 on July 31st, 2009

Violence causes new violence, hate generates new hate...

The NAZI caused a grave injustice and committed an inexcusable atrocity onto several groups of people the Jews where one of their main victims.

The Jews that survived this horror went on to Palestine and forced a new State into existence named Israel, and this with out respecting the Native population, they committed a new injustice out of their pain and fears wish has generated hate and anger with in the Native Palestinian that fought back with generating hate and fear again.

The cycle has to be broken in order for peace to take roots and prosper.

Palestine has as much a rights to the land of Israel as the European and American Immigrants do today or rather their children that where born there.

Ideally the whole area should become a Republic, meaning a Federal Republic that is based on laic laws and includes all the territories and people. Giving all equal rights and prospects.

The Roman called it Palestine and so did the Greek and European after that as well as the Arab Kingdoms and today's Nations.

There for it should be the Federal Republic of Palestine with a State or department called Israel as it was in Roman times.

All Jews, Christian and Muslim of that area have a right to exist and strive and to live in peace.

This peace can only be with in a State that is laic and that is inclusive of all groups concerned with out discrimination.

tikun

at 21:41 on July 31st, 2009

My dear friend Paschen. This narrative is tired and worn out. What coulda, shoulda, woulda, mighta happen is past us all. I could make this case in almost every country in the world. You know it. Let us move forward instead of returning to a narrative that might make you feel clean inside but does not truly add anything positive to the events in the "here and now".

Uwe Paschen

at 01:52 on August 1st, 2009

You want to move forward Tikun and that is good in it self. However Israel justifies its rights by hanging on to some thing that is 4000 years old and that did not exist as a nation for over 2000 years.

The Palestinian have lived there for all that time before the European Settlers came invade that part of the world and claimed it their own.

You can not have it both ways, making a claim based on a religious book and then deny the same to those that actually have a genuine claim here.

Two wrong do not make it right. Justice demands compromise and objectivity not doctrines nor religious tails.

For all I know Moses made this hole thing up because he was dying and tried to avoid a revolt so there he told his people is the Promised land. On that land lived many other tribes and Kingdoms wish where destroyed in the name of a religious vision...

I am all for justice and equal rights for all involved here, I do not support doctrines nor fairy tales.

tikun

at 08:05 on August 1st, 2009

Hi Paschen,

You said," Palestinian have lived there for all that time before the European Settlers came invade that part of the world and claimed it their own."

Which Palestinians are you talking about. The Jews living there at the time you reference? I couldn't have said it better!

"You can not have it both ways, making a claim based on a religious book and then deny the same to those that actually have a genuine claim here."

I am not claiming anything regarding a religious scroll. It is not a book by the way. Genuine claim is really and honestly irrelevant. The native Americans have a genuine claim to all of the US and Canada. But that is not going to happen today. As such regardless who is claiming what is irrelevant. What is important is how to proceed from here. All the other rhetoric is a useless exercise for folks that have no stake in the results and use the discussion out of intellectual recreation and boredom.

Sameh Habeeb

at 00:36 on August 1st, 2009

It's not about Hamas guys, Israel has been negotiating since Oslo!

we got nothing but manipulation from Israeli goverments. Hamas was not before 2005. Why Israel didn't give us peace??

Arab intiative was rejected by Israel even!

mmm

I hope Israelis give us peace!

Barry ORegan

at 08:05 on August 1st, 2009

Global Peace Rankings are OUT! GPI rankings for the 144 countries analyzed, a lower score indicates a more peaceful country. Only Somalia and Afghanistan did worst than Israel! Israel (141) Sudan (140) Zimbabwe (134) Yemen (119) Saudi Arabia (104) Iran (99) Egypt (54) Kuwait (42) Oman (21) Canada (8) New Zealand (1)

tikun

at 08:10 on August 1st, 2009

Yea, read it and laughed out loud. Just trying to figure out what country they are referring to. Certainly not the Israel I live in. Then again Israel has never received a high rating in spite of the fact it is a safe place to live. Apart of course from the threats by some of its neighbors. But then again if Iraq is safer then Israel, that alone should say something regarding seriousness of this project.

Sameh Habeeb

at 02:09 on August 2nd, 2009

Tikun Come on Habibi,

Israel is not safe place, don't fool readers. How can you say this and your country:

1-Was established by killing thousands, kicking Millions and stealing their lands!

2-Your country launched a war a gainst Egypt in 1956

3-Your country launched 1967 war Against Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Gaza, West Bank and Jerusalem.

4-Your country launched a war against lebanon in 1982 and your holy leader Sharon masscared the Palestinians in Sabra Shatila camp. According to Israel invistigation committe he was the key responsble.

5-Your country remain in Lebanon for years and years untill they did Qana massacre in 1996 where you have attacked UN HQ in which the people were taking it as a refuge. Also, hundres of attacks were hiting lebanon.

6-My occupied people started the uprising against your counrty. Citzens with no arms were faced by arms!

7-Since 2000 you are attacking gaza and WB by rockets, tanks and all arms, you have killed thousands while palestinians kille nothing compare to you.

8-Your country launched the war against Lebanon 2006, killed thousands.

9-Your country launched a war against Gaza 2008-2009, killed thousans beside a siege of 3 years till now!

I know i missed many things. But after all these things, do you think Israel is a state of peace?

sam

tikun

at 04:32 on August 2nd, 2009

Oh my gosh Habibi,

I am out of breath just reading it all.

Well today my oldest son is getting married so all I can say to you is have a blessed day and I hope the sun that shines over your place and mine brings warmth to us all.

Steve

Sameh Habeeb

at 11:51 on August 2nd, 2009

habibi Mr. Tikun

Hope he will get a nice life.... More importantly, he would not be serving in the Israeli army or reserve army... I wish peace will promlgate throught giving our rights back then both nations enjoy the sun, not when one opressing another!

sam

Mohammed Abuabdou (not verified)

at 05:27 on August 19th, 2009

I think this conflict is between the Palestinian people as displaced from 1948 till now and our main enemy is the Zionism itself. But our weapon at this time and especially after the brutally war on the Gaza Strip is BDS like South Africa during the Apartheid era which led ultimately to the collapse of the white regime and establish a One Democratic State for all the residents of that state, Similarly the State of Israel.

Our slogan is "Boycott Apartheid Israel" and Palestine will be free.