UN, Palestinians call for $550 mn in Gaza aid

[Jefferson23]

RAMALLAH (AFP) -- The United Nations and the Palestinian government called Tuesday for international donors to provide $550 million in aid to help hundreds of thousands of Gazans affected by a devastating war with Israel.

The appeal comes two weeks after Israel and Hamas ended 50 days of bloodshed that killed more than 2,100 people, mostly civilians, and a month ahead of a donors' conference in Cairo.

"The scope of damage and devastation is unprecedented in the Gaza Strip," James Rawley, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said in a statement.

"The crisis is far from over."

Rawley and Palestinian deputy prime minister Mohammed Mustafa outlined the humanitarian needs for post-war Gaza, calling for $551 million for food aid, access to clean water, healthcare and education.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=726491

[sabbat hunter]

1. how can we assure that

Hamas will actually use it to rebuild Gaza and not on more tunnels?

[Jefferson23]

2. Agree to get the hell out of the West Bank, lift the blockade etc etc. n/t

[hack89]

11. Hamas considers all of Israel occupied territory

They won't be satisfied with just the West Bank.

The blockade will be lifted when Hamas stops trying to acquiring more powerful weapons - never in other words.

[sabbat hunter]

24. None of that will

assure that the aid given to Gaza will not be appropriated by Hamas, as it has in the past, to build tunnels and weapons.

[Jefferson23]

25. If you say so. n/t

[sabbat hunter]

28. do you really think that

hamas all of a sudden will turn from a terror organization in to some sort of benevolent organization just because Israel withdraws from the WB and ends any blockades of Gaza?

Isn't that a bit naive to think that given Hamas's history?

[Jefferson23]

29. All of a sudden? Your premise is conditioned on what exactly? That Hamas is responsible

for the continuation of the occupation? That Hamas was the reason Israel needed to
destroy public and private property and arrest over 600 Palestinians when they suspected
the teens were kidnapped, even though they knew they were dead and would not go public
with that information? Is that what occurs in your city when a kidnapping takes place?

Israel has a right to defend itself and can do whatever they want in response to rockets
and tunnels..right? There was no other way to address the murder of the teens according
to many of their supporters.

What does Israel mean when they say, we are going to mow the lawn?

I am completely puzzled by your initial question, Israel has no right to the West Bank, nor
do they have a right to East Jerusalem, nor do they have a right to brutalize people
under a collective punishment strategy they have used for decades. Palestinians are entitled
to an airport, sea port, an army as well and it should not matter how Israel feels about it.
They get away with this because of the support from the US and Abbas has not overwhelmed
his people with trust that he'll do right by them so it is not surprising that for now Hamas has
gained support.

Likud is in power and they have no intention of agreeing to a state for the Palestinians. Perhaps
show me where Bibi has said that if Hamas gives up the information on the tunnels and disarms
they will remove all settlements from the West Bank. You know why they never speak that way,
because their plan is to wait it out..that is why Kerry's plan went bust. There is no indication
that Bibi and his cronies are going to be replaced, either.

The aid for Gaza should not be contingent upon satisfying Israel. You speak as if all violence
stems from Hamas. Your memory seems to forget that back in May there were two Palestinian deaths
by the IDF and no accountability came from it..but that is to be overlooked..no cause for incitement.
The latest cease fire agreement was suppose to involve a lift of the siege..there have been no rockets,
so why should there be a delay of aid? It is a reprehensible idea to not help these people now.

Right now there is only the status quo, and if all Palestinian factions are wise they will keep to non-
violence and take their case to the courts. Israel will never and I do mean never give up the
precious resources of the West Bank, which they carefully selected with those settlements and return
that land to it's rightful owner willingly, whether Hamas is disarmed or not.

[sabbat hunter]

30. My premise

is based on that Hamas considers all of Israel to be occupied and wants to destroy it. They are a terror organization led by moronic cowards who will do whatever can to hurt Israel, even if it means that their own people suffer as a result.

Israel could pull out of the WB in its entirety tomorrow, end any blockade of gaza and Hamas will still send rockets in to destroy Israel.

[Jefferson23]

31. Alright then, there is nothing that will be accomplished by continuing this conversation.

I will end by adding I don't know how you reconcile their charter from Likud's nor all the violence Israel
perpetuates on the Palestinians which has nothing to do with Hamas...but it does
not really matter in the end. It is Israel with the political and military power reigning
state terror while claiming to be the perpetual victim who is suppose to be
trusted. They are armed to the teeth, continue to expand settlements, do not hold
their IDF to account, have US at their back, but you see one militant group as
the main problem. Historically, Israel treated the Palestinians like animals long before
Hamas came to power. You're not curious as to why Bibi has not ever offered to
negotiate for disarming and the tunnels closure in exchange for the West Bank.

Israel has created quite the boogey man with Hamas...they have served him well.

[sabbat hunter]

42. Bibi

is just a big of a moron as the leaders of Hamas

Israel SHOULD pull out of all of the West Bank (with the exception of the old city), unilaterally if need be. But I do not think that will stop Hamas from continuing attacks.

Hamas is not a militant group, it is a terror organization, plain and simple.


Let's do a suppose for a moment.
Let's suppose that Israel does pull out to the 1967 borders, removing all the settlements, ends any blockades on gaza, opens the borders. And then Hamas launches new strikes in to Israel. Who would be at fault then?

Hamas needs to be fully disarmed as part of any agreement, probably by a UN or Arab League led group.

And I hope that Israel replaces Bibi with someone who will do the right thing and negotiate with the PA on a peace treaty, that will include withdrawal from the WB (with the exception of the old city).

The old city should either remain fully in Israel hands, or if is to be divided, neither side can have political offices in the old city, and a strong international force is in place to guard the border.

[Jefferson23]

43. Hamas is not free of culpability now, let the inquiries be completed for both sides.

For the sake of a hypothetical, take a look at what had occurred with support for
Hamas before the hostilities began..it was very low. If the siege was lifted and
the main issues were resolved as you described, there would be outrage from the
majority of the Palestinians toward Hamas. Keep in mind why they have been so desperate
for so long and where incentive comes from for violence...when there is no hope.

They would have no reason to support Hamas and Israel would have every right
to react with force at Hamas. Their record of keeping past agreements is
better than Israel's...I don't care what you call them. I don't support any
group/government who terrorizes people. With that said, you can't take these
crazy ideas that you can kill everybody....that was the Bush/Cheney method
in Iraq and Afghanistan and it does not work. That was state sponsored terror that
took place in Gaza for 50 days and unnecessary.

Hamas may have no choice but disarm, and if they don't receive a viable state
in return for doing so..they'll all be screwed. Israel wants no resistance at all and
quite frankly, the Palestinians need to be careful of Abbas' decisions. There only
hope left may be massive civil disobedience and the courts.

[King_David]

36. That's a really good rebuttal .

When the other guys right I guess it's the best answer possible if you can't concede

[grossproffit]

26. What about Egypt? I guess their blockade is okay, eh?

No Jews to blame there.

[Jefferson23]

27. What do you mean, spit it out..grossproffit. n/t

[shira]

4. The UN has no problem funding more Hamas terror.

Just as they had little problem with Hamas storing rockets at 3 of their schools.

[Jefferson23]

5. Bullshit. n/t

[shira]

7. UNICEF Gaza says it REFUSED to help evacuate civilians in Gaza under threat....

Just as Hamas refused to move civilians out of harm's way...

This, in addition to the UN demanding concrete into Gaza that was used for Hamas' terror tunnel infrastructure.

And in addition to 3 UN schools storing Hamas rockets.

Then again, what else to expect from a morally bankrupt UN that employed an open supporter of Hamas (and 911 troofer) to be its special rapporteur, ie, Richard Falk?

[Jefferson23]

8. How absurd. You're still getting your talking points from the Elder of Ziyon blog I see.

UNICEF says that they refused to clear Gaza neighborhoods that were under threat

On August 21,2014, Ms. Pernille Ironside, the Chief of the UNICEF Gaza Field Office, held a press conference at the United Nations in New York City “on the impact on children from the conflict in Gaza.”

...In response to a question of how she, and the entire UN Gaza staff, remained “neutral” in the face of Gaza children’s and civilian hardships, Ms. Ironside stated that, “There have been attempts to instrumentalize the UN in Gaza in this conflict. Including, there have been attempts [by Israel] to try to facilitate military operations against the [Palestinian] civilian population by facilitating the clearance of certain neighborhoods. The UN has refused to be a party to that.”

Notice the Orwellian language being used here: the UN is saying that Israel wanted to make it easier to attack the civilian population of Gaza by urging the civilian population of Gaza to leave!
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2014/09/unicef-says-that-they-refused-to-clear.html#.VA-mLxZA2zJ

All Bibi talk.

[shira]

9. UNICEF chief is on video admitting she refused to help evacuate targeted areas...

So not only did Hamas want to prevent Gazans from getting out of harm's way, the UN did Hamas' bidding as well.

Another proud moment for the UN.

What else to expect from a UN that employed Richard Falk (Hamas supporter, 911 truther) for the past 7 years?

[Jefferson23]

10. More nonsense...how you do go on. It is hialrious the junk you expect people to believe.n/t

[leftynyc]

12. Interesting

You don't believe anything Israel says and now you don't believe what the UN says but you seem to swallow what hamas says without question. And you call someone else hilarious?

[King_David]

18. Exactly right

This is not real Democratic Party life tho.

[leftynyc]

21. Thankfully true

This is precisely why I'm grateful no elected Democrats ever cite this place as a source. Anyone who says both Israel and the UN are liars but hamas are truthtellers is simply not to be taken seriously.

[shira]

34. He doesn't believe what the UNICEF chief says on video because....

....a blogger (Elder of Ziyon) dared to expose how morally bankrupt the UN is.

It's absolutely hilarious.

This is why people in the real-world (and the vast majority of Democrats, thank God) ignore anti-Israel extremists.

[azurnoir]

35. NO he said it was an Orwellian interpretation of what was said

if the UN had removed the people of Gaza we'd likely be seeing that the UN had rescued terrorists from IDF

[shira]

38. Even more hilarious, thanks! n/t

[azurnoir]

40. I guess the line that the UN was helping terrorists by storing rockets for them fell on its face

so up next if we can't 'get' them for helping terrorists then we'll get them for........ now I know you think such stuff is funny and you gave your full throat support of killing children when as you prefer to say "Jews" (saying Israeli's doesn't pack the same punch I guess) are in danger here on this thread where Lozowick attempts to justify the deaths of 500 Palestinian children as self defense, I guess the Israeli Bedouin who was killed just doesn't count for as much at least to some here so it's no surprise

shira (22,136 posts)
40. I agree with Lozowick. n/t

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1134&pid=80126

"Lesson of this war: The Jews will defend themselves even if it means killing children

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1134&pid=77732

[Jefferson23]

41. Thank you for this post, azurnoir..I appreciate it. n/t

[shira]

32. Do u think it was right for the UN to refuse Israel's requests to evacuate....

.....targeted areas within Gaza?

[Jefferson23]

33. Your slanted view that was constructed from the Elders blog, an anonymous source, does not

offer an honest account. Her interviews can be found in full, with transcripts
at Democracy Now, if you're interested. If you wish to indict UNICEF with
ill intent, good luck.

[BillZBubb]

3. Bad investment. Israel will just blow it all up again.

The Israelis use any excuse they can find to make the majority of Palestinians lives miserable. That includes destruction of housing and infrastructure whenever possible. Collective punishment is their MO.

[Mosby]

6. Send the bill to Iran

[leftynyc]

13. What guarantee

will there be that hamas wont use this money for more weapons and building more tunnels - just like all the other aid sent to them? Why should any country send more money without some guarantee?

[Jefferson23]

14. Gaza aid appeal raises almost £1m in Scotland

More than £900,000 has been raised in a month in Scotland to help those affected by the Gaza crisis.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said it had been able to reach 1.1 million people with aid since it launched the fundraising drive in the UK on 8 August.

Gaza is recovering after a devastating 50-day conflict with Israel.

More than 2,100 Palestinians died in Gaza, along with 66 Israeli soldiers and seven civilians in Israel.

In total, £14m has been raised in the UK, with £930,000 coming from Scottish donations, the DEC said.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-29102881

[Jefferson23]

15. Emergency Aid for Gaza

TO: Dr. Mona El-Farra, MECA Director of Gaza Projects

YES! I want to send emergency aid to Gaza!

Here is my contribution to the Middle East Children's Alliance to provide emergency aid to children and families in Gaza by:

distributing food, milk, and hygiene kits to displaced families;
buying medicine and medical supplies for hospitals and clinics in Gaza to treat the sick and injured free of charge;
organizing trainings and activities to meet children's ongoing psychological needs.

MECA is a tax-exempt 501(c) 3 organization. Your gift is tax-deductible.

https://www.mecaforpeace.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=42

[Jefferson23]

16. UNICEF assistance plays key role for Gazan children to begin a new school year

9 September 2014 – The devastating 50-day conflict has forced the new academic year in the Gaza Strip to begin three weeks late – on 14 September – the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today, underscoring the serious psychological trauma suffered by the Gazan children.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, UNICEF spokesperson Christophe Boulierac emphasized that more than 500 children had died, over 3,350 suffered injuries and many others were secluded at home during the fighting.

“The resumption of classes is vitally important in the healing process to help children regain a sense of security, normalcy and stability in a safe and familiar environment,” stressed Mr. Boulierac.

On the ground, UNICEF is focused on a variety of areas, such as coordinating schools for some 50,000 children who were either displaced by the fighting or whose school had suffered heavy damage – preventing their attendance in neighbourhood institutions. Additionally, the agency is repairing and cleaning schools that were used to shelter displaced families.

“About 100 schools of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and one public school had been used as shelters during the bombing,” explained the UNICEF spokesperson.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48667#.VBBBeRZA2zI

[Jefferson23]

17. GAZA TOY DRIVE

Toys are a crucial part of childhood.
Please donate to our “Gaza Toy and Clothes Drive”

https://www.facebook.com/gazatoydrive

[Jefferson23]

19. UNWRA USA ( Donate )

WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION FOR SOME 5 MILLION PALESTINE REFUGEES.

American Friends of UNRWA (UNRWA USA) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the humanitarian and human development work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) through fundraising, advocacy, and outreach. UNRWA USA aims to educate the general American public about the situation of Palestinian refugees and generate support for UNRWA's work in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

http://www.unrwausa.org/

[Jefferson23]

20. Sponsor in the Palestinian Territories

The Palestinian Territories are disputed areas of land which neighbour Israel. While Israel claims the regions for itself, over 100 countries now recognise Palestine as a separate state. Families living in these regions must contend with difficulties caused by a turbulent economy and ongoing violence. SOS Children has been active here since 1968.

You can provide a happy home and the best of care for Palestine's most vulnerable children by sponsoring a Children's VIllage:

http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/the-middle-east/palestinian-territories

[Jefferson23]

22. West Bank and Gaza Strip

We demand a lasting ceasefire for children in #Gaza and #Israel. We don’t choose sides. We #ChooseChildren. Watch the video and learn how you can help.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6153151/k.5AE1/West_Bank_and_Gaza_Strip.htm

[Jefferson23]

23. Donate to registered charities experienced in working in Gaza

Charity regulator urges people to help the victims of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza -

See more at: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/news/donate-to-registered-charities-experienced-in-working-in-gaza/#sthash.UdJdmO0y.dpuf

[Jefferson23]

37. Jewish Chronicle 'Sorry' Over Gaza Appeal Ad

Get's to the heart of things:


The paper apologises for any upset caused by the disaster-appeal advert, saying its publication was a 'humanitarian gesture'.



The Jewish Chronicle has been forced to apologise after it ran an advert for a charity's Gaza appeal, saying it was a "purely humanitarian gesture".

The paper said it was sorry if readers were upset at the decision, adding that space would be provided in next week's paper for anyone who wished to express their objections.

The ad was placed by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella organisation for charities such as Oxfam, the British Red Cross and Action Aid.The Jewish Chronicle The paper published the ad last week

An anonymous Facebook page was created, calling for a boycott of the Jewish Chronicle, claiming aid to Gaza is used by Hamas to fund "rockets" and "terror tunnels".

http://news.sky.com/story/1319685/jewish-chronicle-sorry-over-gaza-appeal-ad

[Jefferson23]

39. Gaza rebuild hindered by limited supplies

Residents continue to struggle with a lack of power and sewerage facilities a fortnight after end of Israeli attacks.

Last updated: 08 Sep 2014

?pubId=665003303001

Nearly two weeks after Israel's attacks ended, Gaza is struggling to repair its power and sewerage infrastructure due to a shortage of supplies.

Much of the besieged territory is without adequate power supplies, and raw sewage is pumped to the sea.

Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons reports from Rafah.

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2014/09/gaza-rebuild-hindered-limited-supplies-20149722474469397.html