Saturday, April 26, 2008

Siege imposed on the Gaza strip has become the first concern for Palestinian citizens who live in the biggest jail ever in this world. Those civilians are severely suffering from the Israeli collective punishment policy which influences them day and night in all life facets.

Many direct consequences and repercussions resulted in the ongoing siege which storms every single item of life. The last hit that affected innocent civilians is the current shortage of shoes, clogs, slippers and sandals connected with fuel cut.

The lack of these basic requirements for people is due to Israeli black list against Gaza Strip. This black list includes thousands of raw materials and food stuff in a flagrant violation of all human laws and charters.

I took a round in Al zawya popular market mid of Gaza City where owners of shops locate. The place was so miserable and smell of garbage spreads everywhere. The shops were nearly empty either of customers or goods!

Muhammad Al Razyna, a shoe shop owner said, "The situation is awful and shameful. Today, goods are not passing through crossings and prices went so high, citizens are severely suffering from this tough embargo. We are trapped in a vicious circle of death, poverty, hunger associated with siege,"

The more strange and People of Gaza didn't change their shoes more than 1 time since the start of siege. They have changed their life strategies though repairing and fixing their old shoes.

I met another shop owner ( Abu Ali) who was so frustrated over this dilemma. He said, " people are not able to buy shoes due to unavailability and the high price. Some shoes rise up from 20 $ to $60. But Alas, you might not find these shoes,"

What added more insult to the injury is the current fuel crisis and cuts. Israel has decreased the fuel and Gasoline to the lowest levels since june. This pushed owners of petrol stations to get into a strike… leaving Gaza residents in another circle of suffering.

Students, employees, school children, doctors, teachers, businessmen and all other people are not having transportations now. They walk from 1-7 kilos per day to reach their goals.

The health sector was the most affected sector as Ambulances needs to be fueled back! up till now, 70% of ambulances are stopped now!

As far as I know the occupier power has to:

1. Ensure persons under its control are treated humanely and are protected against all acts of violence (Article 27, Fourth Geneva Convention);

2. Ensure adequate supplies of food and medicines to the population (Article 55, Fourth Geneva Convention);

3. Maintain hospitals, as well as public health and hygiene facilities in the occupied territory (Articles 56-57, Fourth Geneva Convention);

4. Allow relief operations for the benefit of the population of the occupied territory if the entire population – or part of it – does not have access to adequate supplies (Article 59, Fourth Geneva Convention); and

5. Refrain from using collective punishment measures: Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupying power imposing collective punishment against protected persons and their property.

Huh…Huh…Huh…, in Gaza nothing out of these is achieved but the vice versa.

It seems that Israel is not violating all the above mentioned. Yet, Gazan children aged hours, days and months are doing so. They can use open machine guns, B7, fire rockets and kill Israelis!

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Sameh A. Habeeb
Freelance Journalist based in Gaza, Palestine
Mob: 00972599306096
E-mail: Sam_hab@hotmail.com
- Sameh.habeeb@gmail.com
Web: www.gazatoday.blogspot.com