GAZA DYING BEFORE OUR EYES

The people of Gaza today ‘commemorated’ the first anniversary of that barbaric Israeli military assault of 27th. December 2008 with hardly any support from the rest of the world. It is indeed sad that the international humanitarian aid convoy organized by Viva Palestina and representing a multitude of nationalities was obstructed yesterday from concluding that final lap in Egypt into Gaza due to the intransigence on the part of the Egyptian authorities. We view this as a clear refusal by Egypt to help relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza.

While this attempted civilian-led convoy bearing medical supplies, infant food and clothing may appear to be a drop in the ocean when it comes to alleviating the dire needs of the Gazans, it would have given them the message that they are not alone in standing up against occupation and oppression. There are individuals and civilian groups who care and seek humanitarian justice for the people of Palestine, as seen in this aid convoy.

The ordeal and suffering endured by the Palestinians for the last 60 years is testimony to the fact that the spirit of a people cannot be squashed by brutal oppression. It is a shame that the so–called international community and neighbouring states continue to collude in this modern day barbarism against the people of Palestine.

In the name of humanity, the Perdana Global Peace Organization implores the Egyptian authorities to reconsider and allow this much needed convoy of aid to travel by land to Gaza.

Dr. Zulaiha Ismail
Hon. Secretary