Reality Check: Israel’s hold on the Gaza Strip

By Siesta-friendly

Don’t let mainstream media fool you.  True, Iran (a major focus of their attention) is an oppressive state but Israel’s actions against its neighbors (not to mention its hold on Western superpowers) deserve much more attention.  Take its actions on the Gaza Strip.  Against international law, Israel continues its blockade/embargo on the Gaza Strip limiting the Palestinians’ freedom of movement and the flow of basic, and especially emergency, goods and services – including electricity - to Palestinians.

The Palestinians’ plight has been compounded by Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip from December 27, 2008 – January 18, 2009 the effects of which linger today. 

The first video is but a brief summary of the assault and its effects.  A report by United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict contains more details and “finds strong evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza conflict ...”

 

The second video, an animated film, clearly summarizes what has prompted Palestinians to fight and continue fighting Israel.

As a brief history lesson, Israel wrested control over the Gaza Strip from Egypt upon winning the Six-Day War.  Following international agreements, Israel eventually disengaged from Gaza (settlers and all) in 2005.  But (and it’s a big one), Israel still controls Gaza Strip’s borders – including airspace and coastline - and so effectively controls who and what moves through those borders.  Hence, Israel is still regarded as an occupying power in the Gaza Strip. 

Israel’s continued control of the Gaza Strip and its disregard for human rights are against international law.

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